Black dogs & beyond: Reimagining works for concertante guitar and string quartet
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
This project involved the reworking and performance of substantive works for concertante guitar and string quartet: Carulli (Op.140), Castelnuovo-Tedesco (Op. 143), and Iain Graindage (Black Dogs, 2008), and others. These works (eg. Tedesco, Graindage) present multiple unresolved technical and interpretative obstacles (esp. for guitar). Historical works present other challenges due to changing instruments and performative assumptions. The project led to reconsideration of what makes an effective adaptation that remains faithful to the original.
Research Contribution
Investigations commenced with problem identification, exploration of landmark recordings (unveiling precedents for intervention), followed by practice-led experimentation (drawing on extensive embodied knowledge), leading to the performance of innovative versions. The project also clarified principles of effective guitar adaptation (with potential future application). Despite the goal of minimal intervention, a key finding was that creative re-composition can be required—to translate the composer’s underlying expressive vision, rather than mis-placed fidelity to musical details such as texture, register, fingering, notes, or note order. Deeper musical principals (character, structure, counterpoint) are preserved and translated to enhance fluency and expressive efficacy. The project nevertheless demonstrated that solutions can be subtle enough to be undetectable to the casual listener.
Research Significance
This high-profile event was both part of Perth Festival and Musica Viva’s national series, at Perth Concert Hall (500+ audience, despite Covid). It was the first WA performance of Graindage’s work since the 2008 premiere and set new benchmarks of fluency and expressivity. The event received glowing reviews in national and local press (Limelight, SeeSaw Magazine, and The West Australian), highlighting the strength of virtuosity and expressive conviction.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2022
Publisher
Musica Viva Australia, in conjunction with Perth Festival
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
57951
Event Title
Jonathan Paget and the Darlington Quartet
Event Dates
February 20, 2022
Event Venue
Perth Concert Hall
Duration
90 mins
Comments
Paget, J., Lee-Smith, S., Rowntree, Z., Boud, S., Tooby, J. (2022). Black dogs & beyond: Reimagining works for concertante guitar and string quartet. [Audio recordings of musical performances]. Perth Concert Hall.