Event overview
Postgraduate Research presentations by Alistair Zaldua and Maria Yerosimou.
Alistair Zaldua, ‘Meta-Instruments’
My currrent research has focused on redefining the notion of the instrument itself as a part of the act of composition. Redefinition of an existing instrument using electronics means, or otherwise, implies creating more than a mere extension of that instrument; a synthesis of the instrument and electronics is required. In agreement with this, although intending to describe purely acoustic composition, Helmut Lachenmann defines the act of composition as 'building' an instrument. Hence, the aim of employing an electronic means of building an instrument is to create a new instrument with which to compose. In my paper I will discuss these issues in relation to two recently performed pieces: brumaires for two pianos and two percussionists and contrejours for solo piano and live electronics. In both cases the attempt to create a consummate sound world performed as if operated by a single person has been attempted. In these cases the aim of synthesising the piano with the percussion or live electronics is also one of deconstructing the instruments in order to achieve the degree of interactivity required for the ensemble to succeed as a meta-instrument.
Maria Yerosimou, ‘Jani Christou’s Lady Strychnine‘
This study is a part of a bigger research project that deals with the significance of the Greek avant- garde composer, Jani Christou, through his late works. Christou brought up new issues around composition and interpretation by expanding the traditional aesthetics of musical
conception, as well as concert and stage performance, into a totally new form of holistic performance that involved music, philosophy, psychology, mythical archetypes and dramatic setting.
The composer deals with the ideas and thoughts that led him to this new art-form from his early years and, in fact, many of them can be seen in some of his early works. In his late compositions, created around 1965-68, those issues come together to shape what the composer himself called ‘stage rituals’. These works include instrumental performance, singing, acting, dance, tape and visual effects, and thus combine musical and para-musical events and gestures.
A good example that falls into the latter category of works is Strychnine Lady (1967). This study will outline important aspects of the work, in order to define its significance and, furthermore, the significance of Jani Christou in the contemporary music world.
All welcome, no need to book.
All graduate Forum events are followed by a drinks reception.
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 22 May 2012 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm |
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