Collaborative art by Alice
- project with Laurie Bamon, 2015
Alice is currently studying for a doctorate in Musicology at the University of Oxford with Professor Eric Clarke. This research is practice-led, based on Alice's collaborations with composers and musicians, including Jasmin Kent Rodgman, Rob Szymanek, Jeremy Thurlow, Dr K Sextet and iyatraQuartet.
Alice has presented papers on the collaboration with Rob Szymanek on the topics of ownership and improvisation. Contact Alice for more information.
Alice has presented papers on the collaboration with Rob Szymanek on the topics of ownership and improvisation. Contact Alice for more information.
Carnatic violin techniques and gamakas
in cross-cultural collaboration
Research project by Alice Barron, May 2012.
Submitted for the MMus in Research and Performance, Royal Academy of Music, London.
Submitted for the MMus in Research and Performance, Royal Academy of Music, London.
Project cover, painted by Alice © 2012
Project abstract:
This project juxtaposes my training as a Western classical violinist with my interest in music and culture from different traditions; in particular, it explores Indian violin techniques in a cross-cultural collaboration called the bond between for solo violin and three loop pedals. Collaborating with composer Rob Szymanek has provided a platform on which to experiment with Carnatic violin techniques and gamakas in a practical setting that sits between Western and Indian classical music traditions. This project has opened up greater awareness for choreographing violin fingering, shifts, vibrato and glissandi: techniques that are common to both musical styles. Of key importance is the fundamental role that glissandi and other gamakas play in characterising and defining Indian ragas.
The starting point of the research was my lessons on playing the violin in the Indian style in Kolkata in 2008. This experience provided inspiration for the bond between by emanating an ‘Indian’ sound quality and subsequently investigating different notation systems to depict these elements. A later visit to India during December 2011 – January 2012 provided the opportunity to have Carnatic violin lessons with Embar Kannan in Chennai. These lessons focussed on playing gamakas, which are ornaments that derive from Carnatic vocal music and are replicated in Carnatic violin playing. The techniques have been labelled as the finger roll, partial release, block fingering and a variety of different glissandi. Following these experiences in Chennai, Carnatic violin techniques and gamakas were incorporated into the bond between, creating a second version of the piece. Changes to the bond between include the addition of phrases from Carnatic ragas, as well as modifications to the choreography and interpretation. Two recordings are included: the first made before and the second after my lessons in Chennai. Both recordings can listened to on the 'Collaborations' page.
This project juxtaposes my training as a Western classical violinist with my interest in music and culture from different traditions; in particular, it explores Indian violin techniques in a cross-cultural collaboration called the bond between for solo violin and three loop pedals. Collaborating with composer Rob Szymanek has provided a platform on which to experiment with Carnatic violin techniques and gamakas in a practical setting that sits between Western and Indian classical music traditions. This project has opened up greater awareness for choreographing violin fingering, shifts, vibrato and glissandi: techniques that are common to both musical styles. Of key importance is the fundamental role that glissandi and other gamakas play in characterising and defining Indian ragas.
The starting point of the research was my lessons on playing the violin in the Indian style in Kolkata in 2008. This experience provided inspiration for the bond between by emanating an ‘Indian’ sound quality and subsequently investigating different notation systems to depict these elements. A later visit to India during December 2011 – January 2012 provided the opportunity to have Carnatic violin lessons with Embar Kannan in Chennai. These lessons focussed on playing gamakas, which are ornaments that derive from Carnatic vocal music and are replicated in Carnatic violin playing. The techniques have been labelled as the finger roll, partial release, block fingering and a variety of different glissandi. Following these experiences in Chennai, Carnatic violin techniques and gamakas were incorporated into the bond between, creating a second version of the piece. Changes to the bond between include the addition of phrases from Carnatic ragas, as well as modifications to the choreography and interpretation. Two recordings are included: the first made before and the second after my lessons in Chennai. Both recordings can listened to on the 'Collaborations' page.
A violin lesson with Embar Kannan in Chennai, January 2012
As part of an ongoing process, the conclusion highlights future plans. Firstly to extend the collaboration further to work with more violinists in a new, purely acoustic version (see details on this by reading about my recent projects). Secondly, in the long term, I view my experiences learning Indian music as an initial step towards creating a style of violin playing that draws on inspiration and techniques from different cultures around the world.
Please contact Alice for any further information about the project.
Please contact Alice for any further information about the project.
© Copyright Alice Barron 2020
