Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Alternative Format

Degree

Master of Music

Program

Music

Supervisor

Frehner, Paul

2nd Supervisor

Cuciurean, John

Abstract

“Angel’s Tears” is a multimedia work for an eight-player chamber ensemble, musique concrète, and video, divided into eight chapters that explore the stages of alcohol intoxication, each corresponding to the levels of blood alcohol content (BAC). Inspired by the cocktail "Angel's Tears," the piece evokes the imagery of angelic blood tears falling from the clouds, using sound and visuals to symbolize a journey from reality to hallucination. The work is framed within the concept of liminality, a psychological and anthropological state of transition, uncertainty, and change. As the piece unfolds, it reflects the false promise of salvation through intoxication, where the pursuit of bliss ultimately leads to an illusory state of loss and vulnerability. Through its interactive multimedia elements, “Angel’s Tears” explores the tension between fleeting ecstasy and the irrevocable sacrifice of body, mind, and soul.

Summary for Lay Audience

"Angel’s Tears" is a multimedia work for an eight-player chamber ensemble (flute, oboe, tenor trombone, two violins, double bass, piano and percussion instruments), musique concrète, and videos. The piece follows a quasi-narrative structure in eight chapters exploring alcohol intoxication as categorized by the eight levels of blood alcohol content (BAC). The inspiration for this project stems from a cocktail called "Angel’s Tears." The drink features gin as the base liquor, with a layer of thick Baileys Irish Cream on top, and blood-red syrup dripping into the mix. The visual effect evokes the image of angel’s blood tears falling from the clouds. This visual serves as the starting point for a journey through the blurred line between reality and intoxication, where perception becomes distorted and the mind shifts into a hallucinatory state. This work is set against the backdrop of liminality, depicting the human transition from reality to the liminal world through intoxication and hallucination. Liminality refers to a concept in anthropology and psychology that describes a state of transition or in-between-ness. It symbolizes moments of uncertainty, vulnerability, or change, where possibilities and potential outcomes are fluid and undefined. The work references the blood tears of angels immersed in liquor as false symbols of divine mercy and salvation. As such, there exists an anticipation of an "angelic" deliverance, where individuals are guided toward a realm of unparalleled bliss, but which is in fact an illusory state of happiness. However, to accept such salvation, fraught with uncertainty, is to irrevocably forsake one’s body, mind and soul.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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