Freed, Moss. 2023. 'Compositional Voice in/as Ensemble Microtradition: Collective Self-Organisation as Compositional Approach'. In: International Conference IMPACT: IMProvisation and Creativity In and Through Performing Arts. Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Lithuania 22 -25 November 2023. [Conference or Workshop Item]

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Abstract or Description

This paper will consider the role(s) of the ensemble in providing meaning(s) in compositional frameworks and strategies designed for improvisers. I will position such improvisation-reliant approaches as particularly fruitful subjects of analysis in this context and examine the ways in which ensemble-level ‘microtraditions’ can be seen to intersect with compositional voice. Using my ensemble Union Division as a case study, I will examine the importance of leadership and ‘followership’ styles in the collective development of our performance practice and will discuss the processes by which we established particular modes of eliding improvisation and composition via self-organization. In examining specific changes that occurred subsequently within the group’s practice, and looking to David Borgo’s (2006) research on ‘swarm intelligence’ in free improvisation and Irving Janis’s (1972) concept of ‘groupthink’, I hope to illuminate: a) how these changes can be seen to have impacted meaning and understanding of the compositions played; b) how they were able to occur without conflict via non-verbal consensus within a large group; and c) how the group’s microtradition can be seen to have gradually become the dominant vehicle for compositional voice via a process of decentralization; moving beyond elements related to ‘ensemble sound’ to also include group-specific ways of working, modes of communication and socialites.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Talk)
Additional Information:	The video is of the entire session - my talk (plus questions) is 0:43:00 - 1:24:00
Related URLs:	https://impact.lmta.lt/ https://impact.lmta.lt/programme/
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Music
Dates:	Date Event 6 November 2023 Accepted 25 November 2023 Completed
Event Location:	Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Lithuania
Date range:	22 -25 November 2023
Item ID:	34653
Date Deposited:	16 Jan 2024 13:49
Last Modified:	16 Jan 2024 13:49
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/34653

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