Date of Award
2015
Document Type
Thesis - ECU Access Only
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Music Honours
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
Faculty
Faculty of Education and Arts
First Supervisor
Associate Professor Cat Hope
Abstract
This thesis will analyse and discuss the performance and compositional style of American harpist Zeena Parkins (b. 1956). It will outline her performative and compositional approaches in relation to the harp, and will describe a piece I have composed and performed, inspired by Parkins’ work.
Parkins’ use of the instrument outside of its traditional idioms is unique, pioneering the use of the harp as a tool for improvisation and composition by using extended techniques and a range of compositional approaches.
The research will outline her exploration and extension of the possibilities of the instrument as a performer, and how she has transformed common perceptions of the harp and of the harpist in contemporary music practice. It will examine her compositional style for the harp and will include an analysis of one of her works as a soloist. The thesis will conclude with a description of the work I have composed in her style.
The thesis is divided into four chapters: the first consisting of biographical information in order to contextualise Parkins’ music, while the second outlines her performance and compositional styles and techniques. Chapter three will present an example of Parkins’ work for analysis, which will be followed by a discussion of the piece I have written and how it is has been influenced by Parkins’ work.
Access Note
Access to this thesis is restricted to the exegesis.
Recommended Citation
Ashley, C. (2015). Zeena Parkins’ contribution to experimental music and the development of the harp in the late twentieth century. Edith Cowan University. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1470