Changes in Pattern: an Exploration of Repetition and Variation in the Context of Compositions Journeying from Abstraction to Narrative

Abstract

My PhD folio, entitled, Changes in Pattern: an exploration of repetition and variation in the context of instrumental and vocal compositions journeying from abstraction to narrative, contains six compositions which explore themes related to the aforementioned title. The works were written between the latter half of 2019 and early 2024. The compositions include a piano trio entitled Piano Trio; an orchestral work, Selvedge; a duo for alto flute and harp, Riley’s Waves, a solo piano piece, Out of Kilter; a work for six voices, Deep Darkening Clouds; and lastly a mini-opera, From Tulip, to Orchid (with love). Over the course of the six compositions there is a journey with regard to subject matter beginning with works which are abstract (e.g. the Piano Trio, Selvedge) to a piece which is narrative focused (From Tulip, to Orchid (with love)). In parallel with this there is also a move from compositions which are instrumental in nature to works focused either solely on the voice (e.g. Deep Darkening Clouds) or featuring the voice in a prominent role, as is the case in the final work in the folio, From Tulip, to Orchid (with love). Two compositions are purely abstract with no other extra musical references influencing them; these are Piano Trio and Out of Kilter. They explore the theme of repetition and variation in purely musical terms. Another two works, Selvedge and Riley’s Waves, are influenced by the work of artist, Bridget Riley whose processes in her artwork are very much linked to my own composition process and the aforementioned theme. Selvedge, an orchestral work, is loosely inspired by the Riley canvas Cantus Firmus and similarly draws a connection between the repetitive processes in Riley’s artwork and my composition. Deep Darkening Clouds is based on a short extract from a poem by John Clare entitled The Last of March and explores the link between text setting and the theme of repetition and variation in a purely vocal context. From Tulip, to Orchid (with love) is a short narrative work based on poetry and the real lives of several Victorian authors and views how repetition and variation can be utlitised in a dramatic context in order to tell a story.