Distillation, Embodiment, Vulnerability: Expressing and Transforming Emotional States in Musical Composition Through the Lens of the Composer-Performer

Zisso, Yfat Soul (2024) Distillation, Embodiment, Vulnerability: Expressing and Transforming Emotional States in Musical Composition Through the Lens of the Composer-Performer. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

Preview	Text Yfat Soul Zisso PhD Thesis published_Final version_Submitted Apr 2023_Final Award Feb 2024.pdf - Accepted Version Download (8MB)
	Archive Yfat Soul Zisso PhD Thesis Scores.zip - Accepted Version Download (991MB)

Abstract

The aim of this research is to use my own lived experience as a composer-performer to create a compositional language for both voices and instruments, one which uses embodied vulnerability in order to connect to different emotional states.

This thesis consists of a portfolio of thirteen compositions composed between 2016 and 2022, with supporting commentary. The submitted works address two key areas of composition: composing quarter-tonally, and using breathing as a musical idea. These two areas, focusing on composing for both voices and instruments, are connected by a thread of the exploration of embodied vulnerability in music, influenced by my lived experience as a composer-performer. In supporting the submitted pieces, it also describes the two major influences behind my compositional approach, namely my experiences and abilities as a singer, and the development of my ‘minimal’ compositional approach.

The commentary, divided into the two key area sections, discusses the success of the research through the thirteen written pieces, as well as through the context of their rehearsals and performances. It aims to address two research questions: ‘How does the composer-performer develop a personal compositional language for voices and instruments, drawing directly upon their own lived experience in embodied performing?’, and ‘how can the vulnerability experienced in solo performance be translated and foregrounded within music composition?'

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 3 April 2023 Submitted 19 February 2024 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	YFAT SOUL ZISSO, ZISSO, SOUL ZISSO, BREATHING, MICROTONES, QUARTER-TONES, QUARTERTONES, MICROTONAL SINGING, COMPOSER PERFORMER
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
Depositing User:	Jaycie Carter
Date Deposited:	12 Sep 2024 09:01
Last Modified:	12 Sep 2024 09:01
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/15826

Actions (login required)

View Item