Extemporisation

In the recording session with the harpist, I asked her to record a range of Arvo Pärt pieces arranged on harp. After searching online, there doesn't seem to be many recordings of Pärt's pieces on harp - which is unusual given that the simplicity of the music marries with the ethereal qualities of the harp. I recorded Spiegel Im Spiegel, Variations for the Healing of Arinushka and Für Alina. Out of the three, I felt that the Variations provided greatest scope for recomposition and extemporisation. A simple crotchet minim melody provided the perfect backdrop for overlaying layers and adding delays. It didn't need to be all bells and whistles in terms of the performance and changing Pärt's oeuvre - Pärt provided the simplicity, and it was my job to add my own electronic simplicity to the variations.[8]

At the beginning of the project, I wrote myself a major BHAG - to compose a major album. Whilst I didn't achieve this BHAG, I did achieve a portfolio that represents me as a polyglot musician. It showcases the fact that although I am at the end of my masters degree, that the process of learning and creation is something that will last for many years in the future and that is something that I am deeply excited about.

A huge thank you to the 34 creative musicians, artists, videographers and poets that this portfolio would not have been possible to create without. And a massive thank you to all the lecturers who have inspired me to produce this level of work over the years at Surrey.

Let this be a see you later than a goodbye!

R x