2 minute read
Brandon Bernäl
Cultural Identity in Music: A Modern Electronic Composition Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Brandon Bernäl
Daniel A. Pardo, Ph.D. Department of Music and Theatre
Introduction: The healing power of music for society is needed more than ever. With the uprising of music technology and social media, the outlets for music publishing and the means to reach a wide audience are at a peak moment. The objective of this research project is to compose a program (45 mins of music) that merges contemporary electronic compositional techniques with traditional elements of Hispanic folklore. This work will feature 2 soloist (Professor-Student) and an array of electronic components. Prior to the creative development of the composition and electronic design, the professor and student will engage in research of composers and compositions of international notoriety in order to understand the current state of research and programming availability. Methodology: The methodology to develop music content will be based on the use of a Suite as means to join a collection of dances from different regions. To do this, we are analyzing 2 of our primary repertoire works: J.S. Bach's Suite in B Minor and Telemann's Suite in A minor. As we progress through the study of these master works, we proceed to study composers of major impact in Latin American music such as Jobim and Pixinguiña, who exemplify the styles of Brazilian Bossa Nova and Chorinho respectively, Astor Piazzolla; Jose Macias in Bambuco, and Lucho Bermudez in Cumbia. We are also getting adept with music notation software (Dorico SE), music sequencing DAWs (Garage Band & Cubase), and Sample Libraries (Kontakt & Spitfire) in order to start the composition/production process in January 2021. Aside from the music composition at the center of this research project, a presentation about the Instrumental Suite will be part of the Prairie View International Flute Festival program.
References
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8. Woodaman, Ranald. "Exhibiting Music History: U.S. Exhibits on Latin American and Latino Musicians and Their Traditions." Smithsonian Music, October 18, 2018. https:// music.si.edu/story/exhibiting-music-history-us-exhibits-latin-american-and-latino- musiciansand-their-traditions. 9. Colón, Dr. Cynthia. "History of Latin Music." The Latino Author, 2020. http:// thelatinoauthor.com/songs/history/.
