School of Arts and Creative Technologies
John Rousseau
Thesis
Thesis - Analysis of indeterminate pieces through performance
Indeterminate music consists of music where the composer has, to some degree, relinquished control of the sonic outcome, perhaps by leaving some aspects to the performer's decision. Indeterminate notation containing liberating aspects, makes analysis of these works difficult as many outcomes are possible.
The aim of my research is to develop a further understanding of indeterminate works by means of a hybrid approach. This approach consists of an analytical understanding of the score and an examination of the musical processes within my own performances and notable recordings. The interface between these two —analysis and performance — reveal characteristics about the work. Performances highlight limits that exist in liberating notation, due to physiological restrictions and the realities of performance. Furthermore, analysis of the score can reveal Horton’s ‘Technical autonomy’, closely tied with Adorno’s concept of surplus. This approach, hopefully, will provide a strong framework to understand indeterminacy in music.
