A Portfolio of Compositions Expanding the Role of the Electric Bass Guitar in Contemporary Western Art Music
My original contribution to knowledge is a portfolio of work that, through composition, improvisation and performance, expands the role of the electric bass guitar in contemporary Western art music. More specifically, these works address three areas that were hitherto underexplored in existing repertoire: • Works for solo bass guitar and electronics. • Works for bass guitar and ensemble that incorporate the instrument as an equal and important part of an overall sound. • The use of the bass guitar in sonic arts idioms. This research, as well as challenging the role of the bass guitar, also aims to expand the sonic and technical palette of the instrument whilst demonstrating its potential to be a valued part of the modern composer’s instrumental resource. This project comprises: a compositional portfolio of solo and ensemble works; eight CDs, containing recordings of both improvised and scored works; an accompanying written commentary (original musical scores are included as an appendix in the commentary).
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations