Identity, decontextualisation, interconnectivity, perspective. A critical reflection upon my recent creative practice.

Smith, Aled (2017) Identity, decontextualisation, interconnectivity, perspective. A critical reflection upon my recent creative practice. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

This commentary illustrates significant developments in my recent creative practice, as demonstrated in the accompanying portfolio of compositions. Over the period of research, spanning three years and resulting in a substantial body of new work, I have developed and explored the configuring of a compositional architecture which addresses and emphasises the creation of restrictive boundaries in the composition process. These restrictions are placed to control development, whereby strict objectives are set but paths of reaching those goals allow for creative freedom. The interconnections between composer/score/performer/receiver are also examined. This segues into exploring the pragmatic decision–making during the writing process. Paths of enquiry and development within my creative output are outlined and discussed. These relate specifically to: development of a harmonic methodology which abandons conventional chords and progressions in favour of hyper-chromatic harmonic fields; non– teleological structural approaches which explore self-similarity, scaling and intersemiosis; exploration of material identity, morphology and interconnectivity; as well as consideration of instrumentation alternatively through compositing, synthesis, ‘opening’ and extended techniques. Each chapter in the following document examines the works in the accompanying portfolio individually, as a set of small case studies. A discourse is established which discusses each work as well as connecting and establishing context between works — as a body. Developments are demonstrated through analysis and comparison between my own works and those of other creatives.