The Bass Guitar in Contemporary Art Music: Exploring its potential through composition
Lesley, Simon (2012) The Bass Guitar in Contemporary Art Music: Exploring its potential through composition. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.
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Simon Lesley PhD Thesis published_Final version_Submitted Apr 2012_Final Award Apr 2012.pdf - Accepted Version Download (56MB) |
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Simon Lesley PhD Thesis Part 1. Funk Framework no.1.zip - Accepted Version Download (32MB) |
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Simon Lesley PhD Thesis Part 2. 'N Bass.zip - Accepted Version Download (31MB) |
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Simon Lesley PhD Thesis Part 3. Serial II.zip - Accepted Version Download (42MB) |
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Simon Lesley PhD Thesis Part 4. Sequenza for Bass Guitar.zip - Accepted Version Download (52MB) |
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Abstract
The bass guitar is largely defined by generic conventions, its development since inception having been shaped predominantly by jazz/rock traditions. Consequently, its received musical role is widely presumed. However, the instrument is being employed increasingly by contemporary classical and art music composers, and a small but growing repertoire of solo and ensemble material is emerging. This reflects a principal trait in the composition of contemporary art music – the widening of composers' spheres of reference from a narrow classical-modernist narrative to the multiplicitous melting pot of 21st-century musical genres and sound manipulation. But the research question here is whether the bass guitar can do more than simply be included. That is, can it be developed to contribute to and engage in the uniqueness of a new compositional voice, rather than merely employed to represent its familiar self in the eclectic smörgåsbord?
Through composition, this research explores the potential of the bass guitar to engage fully in the musical language and intentions of contemporary art music. More specifically, the compositional procedures adopted concern the instrument’s fundamental properties, its sound production and amplification, its place in orchestration, expectations of the performer, and extended techniques/musical roles. The project consists of a composition portfolio of solo, ensemble and concertino works, and an accompanying commentary.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) | ||||||
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| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Bass Guitar, Electric Bass, Bass | ||||||
| Subjects: | CAH25 - design, and creative and performing arts > CAH25-02 - performing arts > CAH25-02-02 - music | ||||||
| Divisions: | Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Faculty of Arts, Design and Media > Royal Birmingham Conservatoire |
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| Depositing User: | Jaycie Carter | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 27 Oct 2023 11:15 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 27 Oct 2023 14:10 | ||||||
| URI: | https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/14878 |
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