Compositional approaches and instrumental techniques: the exploration of string instruments in contemporary music.
In the course of the last few decades, violin technique has undertaken a significative expansion: extreme sonorities, unusual instrumental approaches, complex and innovative notational systems are at the core of aesthetic, compositional and performative explorations that are developed by today’s musicians.
During daily classes and open seminars featured in the course of the academy, we will examine the development of string instruments’ contemporary performance practice, highlighting the inextricable correlation between instrumental exploration and compositional research. Through daily meetings and lessons focused on selected repertoire, students will develop their personal understanding of instrumental techniques and performing strategies of today’s music.
Students can contact me to propose specific works/projects they wish to work on during the academy. Here a (non-exhaustive) list of possible repertoires we could work on:
Malin Bång, purfling [10′, 2012, with live electronics]
Natacha Diels, Second Nightmare, for KIKU [10′, 2013] – for solo and two assistants
Cat Hope, Shadow [10′, 2016, with tape] – For string duo and subtone
Clara Iannotta, dead wasps in the jam-jar (i) [3′, 2014/15]
Lina Järnegard Fall snö [7′, 2006, with live electronics] – viola
Yu Kuwabara 水の声 – Mizu no Koe – Water Voice [10′, 2015/19]
Liza Lim, Philtre [8′, 1997]
Liza Lim, Amulet [7′, 1992] – viola
Wang Lu, Unbreathable Colors [10, 2017]
Rebecca Saunders, Hauch [8′, 2018]
Lisa Streich, Falter [8′, 2020]
Kristine Tjøgersen, Prologue & Avian Chatters [7′, 2021]
Anna Thorvaldsdottir, sola [17′, 2019] – viola
