Portfolio of compositions and exegesis: a personal interpretation of the klezmer tradition.

Abstract

This submission comprises two volumes and is entitled A Portfolio of Compositions and Exegesis: a personal interpretation of the klezmer tradition. Volume 1 consists of a portfolio of works composed during the tenure of my PhD candidature, including Procession (a major orchestral work), Ulu Ushpizin (for small ensemble), Sweet Sorrow (for thirteen strings), Lighter Shades of Pale (for string quartet) and The Golem Suite (for solo harp). The works, with the exception of the orchestral work, appear sequentially and a CD of recordings for Ulu Ushpizin, Lighter Shades of Pale and The Golem Suite has also been included inside the back cover. Volume 2 contains the accompanying exegesis, which serves as a commentary on the genesis of the individual works, and how and why certain musical and aesthetic elements of klezmer (an Ashkenazi folk music) have been incorporated into my compositional method as a means of enhancing my musical expression and personal style. It focuses on the choice and implementation of these elements, whilst maintaining a chronological approach to the development of the works. Included in Volume 2 as supporting material to the portfolio and exegesis, are appendices that detail relevant historical background on the evolution of klezmer and its cultural associations. Various transcriptions of klezmer melodies (and harmonisations) have also been included.