An exploration of the duende in the composition of musical works

• Main Author: Giguère, Patrick
• Published: Birmingham City University 2018
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.768255

This thesis investigates how an exploration of the duende, an Andalusian concept theorised by Federico Garcia Lorca, could take place during the composition process of contemporary musical works. The research aimed to observe and change my composing process according to the key values of the duende, namely authenticity, performance and spontaneity. Furthermore, the composed musical works strive to create intense musical experiences akin to the intensity of the duende and this creative journey was undertaken in order to define my personal aesthetic. The thesis is the result of this practice-based research and takes the form of a portfolio of recordings and scores of musical works along with a written commentary. Constantly trying to see how I could adapt my process according to the duende and its values required me to accept and embrace my musical personality, to increase my sensibility to my material and to the physicality of music-making, to open my mind to surprise as well as to accept loss of control. Doing so simultaneously allowed me to explore further and to refine facets of my musical language as well as to create works that foster exciting performances.