Composition portfolio

Abstract

The six works presented in this thesis were composed between 2004 and 2006. The compositions, scored for different mediums, are of a contrasting nature. The thesis is divided into three parts with two chapters in each part, with one composition per chapter. The works are not presented in chronological order of composition. The sequence used follows the exigencies of this thesis' critique of the compositions. Part I - Echoes from the Past - presents compositions for solo instruments using traditional forms. The two works in this section are Rit for solo viola and Eki for pianoforte. Historical considerations are discussed (only in Part I) in line with the importance given to the fact that traditional forms were employed for the organization of the works. Part II - Outside Influences - deals with works using texts. Two movements from the Roman Catholic mass, Kyrie and Agnus Dei, are presented as two independent compositions. Although the Kyrie and the Agnus Dei form part of the mass as one complete work, two different approaches were taken for their construction, hence the decision to place them in different chapters. Part III - Open Work - discusses the idea of the work as a process of encounter, suggestive rather than finite. It looks at some important developments in the arts in the twentieth century and how they influenced the course of music composition.