Four pictures from New York
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
This was a live performance of Four Pictures from New York, a 4-movt saxophone concerto exploring Tango, Romantic lyricism, Broadway musicals and Jazz, challenging the CI to search for the nexus between ‘embodied knowledge’ and stylistic performance practices through a practice-led methodology, led by the question: Can emotional impact be heightened evoking “a variety of specific emotions within the listener”? I challenged the ideals revealed in the analyses of extant performances of this work (Mondelci 2007, Pitayathorn 2017), in which there was little regard for stylistic adaptations and changes between movts.
Research Contribution
The hypothesis was made that the work called for the application of contrasting stylistic idioms. Via aural analysis, specific aesthetic/performative qualities were identified in each movement. For inspiration, commercial recordings were sought that exemplified these contrasting styles (in repertoire by such diverse composers as Marcello, Piazzolla, Charlie Rouse, and John Williams). These were then used for direct musical imitation within the practice studio--using an iterative practice-led methodology (McNiff&Whitehead 2002). Through this process of imitation then extrapolation, the inherent aesthetic qualities of each movement were amplified within a condensed time frame. This experiment hence tested the efficacy of direct imitation as a learning tool and confirmed psychological theory re the power of the sub-conscious mind (Gladwell, 2005).
Research Significance
The provided audio and video is evidence of the resultant success of the performance where the audience is audible ‘emotionally aroused’ by my interpretations. Further, as evidence of industry- and peer-success, the Musical Director of the performance, Dale Pointon not only hand-picked me to perform this work, but also sent communications after the presentation describing my interpretation as an “outstanding performance” (see attached).
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2021
Publisher
Matt STYLES and Fremantle Symphony Orchestra
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
43578
Event Title
Four pictures From New York
Event Dates
November 21, 2021
Event Venue
Shenton Arts Arena
Duration
9 mins
Comments
Styles, M. (2021). Four pictures from New York. [Musical Performance]. Shenton Arts Arena.