Beyond Tradition - An Intercultural Music Notation Proposal

Abstract

The following text unfolds an artistic research project based on exploring creative musical notation systems that allow musicians to have intercultural collaboration without limiting their artistic identity. The overall framework of this research encapsulates contrasting elements of musical expression and notation, through diverse theoretical concepts approached by comparison, analysis, and synthesis. The project also explores the cultural significance and relevance of musical notation systems, by delving into the concept of materialistic philosophy by Gustavo Bueno (1924-2016), the cultural frames by Josep Martí (b. 1954), alternative compositional and creative processes, and different performance phenomena, shaped and enabled by performing in an intercultural music setup. The purpose of this research is twofold: Examine the creative process within an intercultural context, and the fostering of mutual understanding and differences when performing in an intercultural setup. To achieve these aims, two case studies were developed. The first case is based on an auto-ethnographic analysis made during a field trip to different regions of Colombia in the summer 2023. The focus was on gaining an understanding the currently used musical notations applied to Colombian traditional music practices. The second case study refers to the main characteristics of multiple musical notation systems, composition techniques, and creative processes used as tools in an effort to better develop intercultural communication when performing in an ensemble setup. Finally, these case studies contributed to the composition and notation-exploration process manifested at my final mater’s concert "Beyond Tradition," presented on December 14th, 2023, at the Helsinki Music Centre, Camerata Hall, Helsinki – Finland. The main findings of this artistic research lie in the discovery of ways to utilize music notations systems that do not limit the performer's cultural frame or artistic identity and enhance the possibility for intercultural communication with shared ownership when creating/arranging written compositions.