University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Performance practices of solo violoncello and electronics in selected works of Kaija Saariaho

Ro, Yunjin

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/109071

Description

Title
Performance practices of solo violoncello and electronics in selected works of Kaija Saariaho
Author(s)
Ro, Yunjin
Issue Date
2020
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Carrillo, Carlos
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Kouzov, Dmitry
Committee Member(s)
  • Alwes, Chester L.
  • Mattax Moersch, Charlotte
Department of Study
School of Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Keyword(s)
  • Kaija Saariaho
  • Petals
  • Près
  • cello
Language
en
Abstract
This paper examines Petals (1988) and Près (1992) which are cello works by the Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho performed with live electronics. They were composed by combining new methods with traditional cello techniques to create unique and innovative sound effects. The works were written for the Finnish cellist Anssi Karttunen, who contributed to the expansion of the sound of the cello and the creation of new cello techniques. The electronic sound effects that play an important role in Petals and Près are reverberation and harmonization. These performance guides are based on the composer's intentions and my knowledge of cello technique. Because of the unusual tempo marking in Petals, I provide a detailed guide for communicating effectively with the engineer, focusing on aligning the tempo and ensemble of the electronic music. I divide Petals into seven sections, suggesting specific performance practice methods for each. For the second piece, Près, I describe how Paul Gauguin’s Tahitian painting By the Sea inspired the composer. In the performance guide for Près, I focus on the cello techniques not covered in Petals.
Type of Resource
  • text
  • still image
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109071
Copyright and License Information
Copyright ©2020 by Yunjin Ro

Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Papers [Option 3] - Music PRIMARY