Political Composition: A Creative Exploration of Global Socio-Political Issues through Contemporary Classical Composition

Olsen, Nicholas (2025) Political Composition: A Creative Exploration of Global Socio-Political Issues through Contemporary Classical Composition. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

Preview

Text Nicholas Olsen PhD Thesis_Final Version_Final Award_Apr 2025.pdf - Accepted Version Download (17MB)

Abstract

This thesis explores the research question: ‘how can the composition of contemporary classical music be an effective vessel for the exploration of socio-political issues?’ It consists of a folio of compositions, recordings, and an accompanying commentary. The compositions range from small solo study pieces to instrumental chamber music with fixed media and an orchestral piece.

This research straddles two distinct fields of composition – referential music and political music. Throughout music history, composers have not been afraid of referencing socio-political issues in their music. Examples can be seen in the academic discourse around composers such as Richard Wagner and antisemitism (Parsifal),1 Hans Eisler and Marxism (Hangmen also Die),² and Frederic Rzewski and social justice (Coming Together).³ This practice research does not attempt to persuade a listener into following a political ideology; it instead engages with socio-political themes in the compositional process. It uses a practice-based reflexive methodology of composition, score analysis and reflection on my own thoughts through elements of autoethnography to develop a toolkit of rhetorical devices in compositional contexts as an investigation into the research question.

The socio-political backdrop of our world is ever-evolving. The compositions in this research specifically focus on events from 2019 to 2024. This includes the UK formally leaving the EU (On Leaving You), the COVID-19 pandemic (From Home and The Anti-Masker) and its political fallout (Wonderland), our continued attempt to grapple with climate change (Drift), the changes in American politics (Our Better History and Equals), the Middle East crisis (For Gaza), and the culture wars (An Attack is Taking Place).

The research concludes that composition can be used successfully as a vessel to explore global socio-political issues. The project provides a foundation for additional practice and research in this and related areas.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 15 April 2025 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Political composition, Socio-political composition
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 > Royal Birmingham Conservatoire - Music
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	23 Apr 2025 11:15
Last Modified:	23 Apr 2025 11:15
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16313

Actions (login required)

View Item