Portfolio of Original Compositions

  • Cameron Biles-Liddell

Student thesis: Phd

Abstract

This research portfolio contains a selection of nine compositions for instrumental, orchestral, and vocal forces. These are: Fading Time…for solo cello (2021); Frozen Plains for chamber orchestra (2021); Clockwork Dances for piano trio (2022); Clockwork Mechanisms for violin and harpsichord duo (2022); The Rippling Tide for alto flute and harp duo (2022); Aftershocks for orchestra, (2022); Caer Drewyn (The Hill Fort) for orchestra (2023); Concerto For Flute and Chamber Orchestra (2023), and Nocturnes for soprano and piano (2023). This commentary discusses my approach to creating stasis and motion in the submitted portfolio. The initial chapters provide research context along with how progression is created from a restricted harmonic palette. This leads into a discussion of how timbre and orchestral colour can enhance the musical ideas as well as create motion through shifting timbral colours. The commentary will also outline how this approach to stasis and motion led to exploration into melody, characterisation and stratification to create musical opposition and reconciliation in music. Finally, the Concerto for Flute and Chamber Orchestra acts as the culmination of this research enquiry, showcased in a large-scale form context, while drawing from the different elements outlined in this commentary to employ a nuanced approach to stasis and motion.
Date of Award31 Dec 2024
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • The University of Manchester
SupervisorCamden Reeves (Supervisor) & Ricardo Climent (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Orchestra
  • Melodic Line
  • Chamber music
  • Acoustic Composition
  • Orchestration
  • Motion
  • Stasis
  • Stratification
  • Composition

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