City Research Online

Abstract

This Practice-as-Research (PaR) submission comprises a portfolio of musical works for a ‘speaking’ drummer in four distinct configurations, with the primary objective of seamlessly integrating the voice with the drum kit to create a 'fifth limb' where the voice and limbs operate in equal partnership. An accompanying commentary reviews recent theories of musical narrativity, concretely exploring its intersection with improvisation and storytelling. The commentary delves into the role of the storyteller, storytelling as ritual, and rhythmic storytelling in transmitting culture.

The portfolio showcases various approaches to music-making that resist traditional developmental structures by exploring moment form and through-composed episodic models. This artistic choice differs from conventional models of musical narrative that originated from 19th and early 20th-century music. The works aim to unite rhythm and storytelling through the drummer's four limbs and voice, demonstrating the convergence of improvisational and compositional techniques in creating a musical narrative that transcends the limitations of text.

The research also expands the scope of the 'five-limbed' drummer to include vocal and instrumental ensembles, exploring composition methods derived from the drum kit. Since there is no widely recognized speaking drum kit tradition, this research provides a unique and valuable approach to music-making. It offers fresh insights into the intersections of music, improvisation, and storytelling for drum kit practitioners.

Preview

Text - Accepted Version
Download (4MB) | Preview

Archive - Accepted Version
Download (1MB)

Archive - Accepted Version
Download (910MB)

Archive - Accepted Version
Download (292MB)

Export

Downloads