Two studies in pitch strategies for solo piano improvisation
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
This output builds on previous research articulated by the author (#28425, 2018), and of itself represents a period of practice-led exploratory research and a public performance (Audible Edge Festival of Sound, 2022). The first study sought to achieve a framework for greater pitch democracy during improvision via combining several solutions for organising the 12-tones at the piano (e.g. Schoenberg). The second study sought how to use ‘Two Superposed Modes’ (Messiaen, 1956, pg. 68-69), combining both simultaneously as accompaniment, whilst concurrently colouring and supporting a third melody line. Despite their cognitive nature, both studies strove to enable expressive improvisations that were cohesive within performance.
Research Contribution
The first study (at 9:15mins of the performance) managed to reinterpret 3 phrases of existing music from Messiaen into usable strategies for extended 12-tone melodic and harmonic improvisation; via experimentation with different rotations and presentations of pitch subsets, using multiple transpositions, texture/registral changes and rubato or tempo. The second study (at 18:12mins) efficiently remodelled Messiaen’s Regard du Fils sur le Fils for a new setting, showing that two modes can be combined to result in a complex colouration or ornamentation around a louder, lower tonal theme. To achieve this, a plethora of available structures from the modes were found and organised into functional chord families that could be drawn upon and combined interchangeably. These studies and referents offer improvisers a way to borrow from Messiaen’s sound world, but apply it to organise their own atonal improvisations or colour thematic material.
Research Significance
The Audible Edge Festival of Sound is a curated festival with a reputation for showcasing leading innovative projects in the field of composition and improvisation. Critical reviews confirm the presence of the specific research components.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2022
Publisher
Tonelist
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
57928
Event Dates
April 26, 2022
Event Venue
Audible Edge Festival of Sound
Duration
20 mins
Comments
O'Halloran, T. (2022). Two studies in pitch strategies for solo piano improvisation. [Musical Performance]. Audible Edge Festival of Sound 2022.