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Microtonality As An Expressive Device: An Approach For The Contemporary Saxophonist, Seán Mac Erlaine
Microtonality As An Expressive Device: An Approach For The Contemporary Saxophonist, Seán Mac Erlaine
Dissertations
This dissertation provides a critical examination of the use of microtonality as an expressive tool for the improvising saxophonist and offers a new method for quarter-tone production drawing on cultural references from European art music, Arabic Maqam and Contemporary Jazz. The thesis is underpinned by an historical, musicological analysis of tuning systems and theory necessary for the performer of microtonal music. The dissertation is presented in three chapters. In Chapter One, a discussion of tuning theory and a history of temperament systems contextualises the current uses of equal temperament and extensions of it including the quarter-tone tempered system. Chapter Two …