Portfolio of compositions and exegesis: Leitmotifs and their development.

Abstract

This submission for the degree of Master of Music at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide, consists of a portfolio of original compositions supported by an explanatory exegesis. The portfolio consists of six works: The Gingerbread Man, for a sinfonietta ensemble (woodwind quintet, two violins, viola, cello, double bass and percussion); a Jazz Quintet (alto saxophone, fluegel horn, vibraphone, tambourine and double bass); a Horn Quintet and String Quartet (violin, two violas and cello); Alone (for solo horn and 3 female voices – SSA); and Sonata for Horn (or Tuba) and Piano. The supporting exegesis explains the creative and investigative processes that have taken place, exploring the idea of the leitmotif and developing it through the six compositions within the portfolio.