Hemispheres 21: Premiere performances of Glen Roger’s Konokol-inspired works for guitar and flute
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
This project comprises premiere performances of works for guitar and flute, performed by Jonathan Paget and Mary-Anne Blades. The works, comprising a suite of three movements inspired by Konokol ( “Miyan ki todi,” “Hamshadwani,” and “Bhimpalasi Variations”) plus the stand-alone “Zepher,” were written by composer Glen Rogers. Konokol is a form of South Indian music characterized by rhythmic complexity formed via rapidly shifting patterns of non-isochronous/asymmetrical rhythmic groupings. The performance represents the culmination of an eight-year collaboration that sought to develop an effective performative musical idiom for guitar and flute that draw from both Western and Indian practice.
Research Contribution
Paget and Blades were significant artistic collaborators with Rogers across an extended period (since 2013). Their contribution included consultation on idiomatic use of instrumentation, interpretative ideas (which helped shaped the ultimate form of the work), and experimentation with how to notate Konokol in a way that is accessible to Western musicians. The resultant versions represent an innovative combination of Konokol and Western practice, particularly in the iso-rhythmic effects formed by the interaction of Konokol patterning with Western metre. A degree of improvisation guided only by textural direction) is also realised in the performance. The works represent a substantive and poetic contribution to the repertoire, and an innovative blueprint for future inter-cultural work.
Research Significance
Paget and Blades were invited to perform in the high-profile “Hemispheres” recital series, curated by renowned multi-cultural musician Mark Cain, which testifies to the significance of the performance. The musical scores (by Rogers, but heavily influenced by the Paget/Blades’ contribution) have been published separately by Wirrapang (specialising in Australian content), which recognises the excellence of the final versions.
Keywords
music, classical, flute, guitar, Glen Roger
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2020
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
35921
Event Title
Hemispheres 21, Glen Rogers & Friends: New Works by Guitarist-Composer Glen Rogers
Event Dates
December, 6th, 2020
Event Venue
PS Art Space 22-26 Pakenham St, Fremantle WA
Performers
Jonathan Paget - Guitar Mary-Anne Blades - Flute
Duration
40mins
Comments
Paget, J., & Blades, M. (2020). Hemispheres 21: Premiere performances of Glen Roger’s Konokol-inspired works for guitar and flute. Fremantle: PS Artspace. [Live Performances].