Processes and Concepts in Present-Day Transcultural Violin Performance Practice

Abstract

This thesis is a creative practice project that examines the role of the violin in transcultural locations of musical engagement. The project focuses on repertoire associated with two disparate locations of practice, northwest European (Irish/Scottish) Celtic fiddling and Indonesian hybrid creations. By examining, performing and creating repertoire for violin, the music itself is viewed not only as a product of transculturation, but also as a process in which the technical and symbolic features of the violin are expressed through repertoire in different cultural locations. The thesis incorporates performance, composition and an exegesis and focuses on the way performance practice is influenced by aural and written modes of musical expression.