Browsing by Author "Herbst, Theo"

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    The composer as technologist : an investigation into compositional process
    (2016) Warrington, Miles; Herbst, Theo
    This work presents an investigation into compositional process. This is undertaken where a study of musical gesture, certain areas of cognitive musicology, computer vision technologies and object-orientated programming, provide the basis for a composer (author) to assume the role of a technologist and acquire knowledge and skills to that end. In particular, it focuses on the application and development of a video gesture recognition heuristic to the compositional problems posed. The result is the creation of an interactive musical work with score for violin and electronics that supports the research findings. In addition, the investigative approach into developing technology to solve musical problems that explores practical composition and aesthetic challenges is detailed.
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    Crafting the commons : modern approaches to music as product
    (2015) Fouché, Jacques Abraham; Herbst, Theo
    In this dissertation, modern approaches to record labels, music as product, and copyright in the music industry were investigated. The possibility of successfully creating, implementing, and operating an independent, not‐for‐profit, commercial record label that services the needs of the South African College of Music (SACM), with a flexible approach to the music industry, music as product, and copyright was hypothesised. The current state of the music industry, and specifically the record industry, was researched, with special regard given to modern aspects of the industry as well as the technological advancements that through history have contributed to the evolution of the industry to its current state. The concept of copyright was explored in its traditional, modernized, and adapted forms. In addition, traditional and modern models of major and independent record labels were assessed in order to gain insight into the processes involved in the creation and operation of such entities, along with the way in which artists function in the modern record industry environment. Finally, the project of creating the mentioned record label within a tertiary education institution was researched through practical implementation and evaluation. As a part of this implementation, a specific recording project at the SACM was researched, undertaken in practice, and documented in order to research potential opportunities and obstacles in the creation of a recorded music album, with special significance for future projects. The hypothesis was proved correct, but a flexible approach to the entire process was also proved a necessity in that constant optimization and adaptation is required to facilitate the successful continuation of such a record label. Future considerations and innovation-based paths forward for similar projects were also provided.
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    Tatei Watu (Our Father): A Tribute to Venâncio Mbande
    (2022) Zango, Matchume; Herbst, Theo
    TATEI WATU (Our Father): Tribute to Venâncio Mbande is a creative project that culminated in the production of a CD Album in which thirteen musicians participated in the recording of musical arrangements inspired by the music of Mozambican composer Venâncio Mbande, a master of the traditional Chopi timbila xylophone style known as ngodo, who passed away in 2015. The CD album consists of eight musical tracks based on original material usually played in open outdoor spaces in the context of community celebrations and in an environment that is very different from the one in which we generally enjoy music today. The aim of my project was to bring this music to a modern audience that prefers listening to music on audio devices by means of new arrangements that rework the old ngodo pieces of Venâncio Mbande in a format and style that is within the reach of younger generations of listeners. This musical end result of the project is presented along with a short documentary on its creation, a folder of pre-mastering phase audio-samples and a dissertation that provides background, both on the CD's production and on the music's historical context. Through the prism of my own personal experience as a Chopi timbila performer, the creative project argues for a renewed relationship with older musical traditions of Africa and demonstrates by example that it is possible to engage with vanishing musics through the creation of musical works that are rooted in the traditional, yet contemporary in outlook.
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    The Influence of Jazz in 20th-Century Classical Clarinet Music: A performance-based investigation of Copland's Clarinet Concerto and Bernstein's Clarinet Sonata
    (2023) Rotevatn, Marie; Herbst, Theo
    Playing classical compositions containing stylistic elements of jazz can be a challenge for a classically trained clarinettist. This study explored how to play such compositions by investigating, learning, and performing Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra (with Harp and Piano) by Aaron Copland and Sonata for Clarinet and Piano by Leonard Bernstein. Considering the historical context and exploring the works practically, the stylistic influence of jazz was unpacked through practice-based research and performance practice. Upon analysis, it was found that both compositions incorporate jazz elements such as rhythm and timbre. Further, an influence of jazz in terms of context was discovered. Bernstein and Copland's other works and Benny Goodman's fame as “The King of Swing” somewhat affect the perception of jazz-influence. The original recordings of the two compositions revealed how both works were played in the classical idiom and with close attention to the markings in the sheet music. However, newer recordings of the two compositions incorporate stylistic elements of jazz that were not present in the original recordings.