THE DEVIL’S HORN AND THE MUSIC OF THE BROTHEL
APPROACHING ADAPTATION AND PERFORMANCE OF TANGO FOR THE CLASSICAL SAXOPHONIST
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music The University of Sydney
Jonathan Byrnes
200108443
October 2015
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to establish a concise and well-considered approach to the performance of tango music by a classical saxophonist. It explores the significance of adaptation to a saxophonist by investigating the integral role it has had on the performance, promotion and education throughout the instrument’s history. To this end, this thesis also traces the tradition of adaptation in Western Classical music. When approaching the adaptation of tango it is important to recognise the differences in the music’s culture. We are ultimately changing the context of the music by arranging it for another instrument. Therefore, a fervent discussion of the issues surrounding the idea of schizophonic mimesis are explored in an effort to maintain due respect for the original composition while bringing something new to it. The impact of schizophonic mimesis on our audience’s expectations, the stylisation of music, and the respect to the tradition of the other culture are discussed, and establish the need for a well- informed and stylistic approach. To help address the various issues, this thesis gives a historical account of, what we will refer to as the tango’s ‘tangible’ and ‘intangible’ stylistic traits, and will propose a new approach to saxophone tango performance through a series of established and novel techniques.
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Research Integrity Human Research Ethics Committee
Monday, 15 September 2014
Dr Daniel Rojas Arts Music Unit; Sydney Conservatorium of Music Email: [email protected]
Dear Daniel
I am pleased to inform you that the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) has approved your project entitled “Transcribing Tango repertoire for the concert saxophonist.”
Details of the approval are as follows:
Project No.: 2014/037
Approval Date: 22 August 2014
First Annual Report Due: 22 August 2015
Authorised Personnel: Rojas Daniel; Jonathan Byrnes
Documents Approved:
Date Uploaded Type Document Name 29/07/2014 Participant Consent Form Revised PCF 29/07/2014 Participant Info Statement Revised PIS Interview 29/07/2014 Participant Info Statement Revised PIS Survey 29/07/2014 Questionnaires/Surveys Revised Survey 29/07/2014 Other Type Translation of Requested Files into Spanish
HREC approval is valid for four (4) years from the approval date stated in this letter and is granted pending the following conditions being met:
Condition/s of Approval