Night Music in Madrid: Cimarosa Concerto
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
This was a reimagined performance of the Concerto for Oboe and Strings by Domenico Cimarosa (1749-1801) for soprano saxophone and strings. The performance was informed by manuscripts & comparison of recordings [Heinz Holliger (1987) and Anne Gilby (2019)] over a 4-month period, challenging the CI to search for the most appropriate and relevant stylistic performance practices through a practice-led methodology, led by the question: Can a performance of an Oboe Concerto reimagine for the sax uphold the compositional elements of the original work & performance practices of both Classical and 20th C eras?
Research Contribution
The process of creating a new version of the performance was informed through the application of the information gathered through score-only analysis and aurally-based annotations from referential recordings. Using a practice-led iterative cycle, it was discovered that instrumental range needed to be restrained, dynamics needed to be softer enabling appropriate balance with a string camerata and given the richer resonance of the saxophone, articulation needed to be more staccato (short/detached) than saxophone pedagogy usually recommends (Londiex, 1989). This performance & its findings will be directly applied to my own teaching practices at WAAPA as well as being an addition to Western Art saxophone pedagogy.
Research Significance
The creation of this artefact adds to the canon of works for the saxophone that delves into genres and eras prior to its development and inception, enabling performers to perform a work that brings together multiple performance practices – a trait often attributed to the saxophone. Not only was this performance well received by the audience at the Government House but a visiting academic and professional Oboist -Dr Christine Guptil – was ‘thrilled’ by the performance.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2022
Publisher
Matt Styles
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
57929
Event Title
Night Music in Madrid: Cimarosa Concerto
Event Dates
October 21, 2022
Event Venue
Government House Ballroom
Duration
15 mins
Comments
Styles, M. (2022). Night Music in Madrid: Cimarosa Concerto. [Musical Performance]. Government House Ballroom.