Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts

Program

Music

Supervisor

Nolan, Catherine

Abstract

Ann Southam (1937-2010) is one of Canada’s greatest contemporary composers. Best-known for her minimalist music, Southam composed twelve-tone, minimalist, jazz, and electroacoustic music for a variety of mediums including orchestral, chamber, and solo instrument. A significant portion of her creative output is for solo piano and this monograph is the first study of these works. This project demonstrates her wide-ranging approach to composition while also focusing on her minimalist music. It promotes Southam’s music and emphasizes her significance as a contemporary Canadian composer. This monograph can be used by performers, scholars, composers and teachers to deepen their understanding of Southam and her music which will in turn foster well-informed performances of her solo piano music. This broad project is meant to enhance the approachability of Southam’s music while also acting as a foundation on which further research can develop.

Summary for Lay Audience

Ann Southam (1937-2010) is one of Canada’s greatest contemporary composers. She is best-known for her minimalist music. Minimalism is a term used to describe music that intentionally uses reduced musical forces. It is often characterized by repeated patterns that gradually change, but the term can also describe music that is pared-down and sparse. Southam also composed twelve-tone music (music that is not based on the major or minor scale), jazz style works, and early electronic music. Most of her music was written for solo piano and this monograph is the first study of those works. This project demonstrates her wide-ranging approach to composition while also focusing on her minimalist music. It promotes Southam’s music and emphasizes her significance as a contemporary Canadian composer. Musicians can learn about Southam’s music by reading this monograph and apply their knowledge to create effective performances.

Creative Commons License

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

Download

Share

COinS