A portfolio of compositions presented for the degree of PhD in music composition at the University of Aberdeen

This portfolio presents seven compositions composed for different instrumental and vocal forces, accompanied by a commentary and recordings of some of these works. Across the seven pieces there has been a concern with building longer-term structures; establishing a stronger developmental style; and with moving towards a more systematised approach to harmony as a way of creating a harmonic language that can underpin development more efficiently. Several of the works show a direct engagement with the issue of form, which is approached from the perspective of Classical models, the listener’s perception and in the context of a highly chromatic harmonic language. In contrast, two works (Aubade and So Turn Your Heart) engage more directly with diatonic models of harmony. The dominant concern across all the works presented has been the desire to create developmental, direct music in which the notion of transformation, rather than stasis and ritual, are of paramount importance. From a melodic, harmonic and structural point of view each work represents different ways in which this has been attempted. The commentary that accompanies the works explores many of these ideas in more detail as well as setting out the origins and development of each composition. There is also an explanation as to how the initial material was decided upon and utilised during the compositional process. The commentary then concludes with a summary of what has been achieved over the course of the programme and where this might lead in the future.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo