Composing in Contrasting States: A Creative Exploration

Abstract

This thesis and accompanying portfolio of works proposes and examines the implementation of a compositional approach based on a model of contrasting musical states herein referred to as the four-state model. The four states contained within the model constitute four distinct types of music which occur across my compositional output. They are distinguished by the differing ways they express a combination of two variables: tempo and stability. The accompanying composition portfolio spans a wide range of instrumentations from chamber works comprising various combinations of instruments (including Joybox String Octet Fantasia on Waltzing Matilda Swirl Piano Quartet String Quartet No. 1 and Starlit) to substantial orchestral works (including Icarus Torrent and Slanted). The model is primarily intended as a vehicle to maximise opportunities for structural contrast and expressive range in my music. In Chapters 1 and 2 the model is introduced and contextualised in relation to existing literature and repertoire. In Chapter 3 the four states are defined in detail supported by illustrative examples from the portfolio. Chapters 4 to 6 examine differing implementations of the model for a variety of creative purposes across four portfolio works: Icarus for solo piccolo and orchestra String Quartet No. 1 Piano Quartet and Slanted for string orchestra. The thesis concludes with a summary of the significance of the research suggesting possibilities for further implementation or development of the model into the future.