Conclusion
In this research I have explored the creative development of a stage performance. As mentioned earlier in the text, this idea came while reflecting on my previous works and presented itself as a necessary next step in my artistic development. The need to challenge myself artistically by making a longer solo performance gave me the urge and motivation to do this. With this performance, I wanted to research how to combine the duality I inhabited as a performer: the early music singer and the contemporary performer and creator. The combination of these two worlds is something I had worked on in earlier projects, but for this work I wanted to use the research to explore this further.
As I started with the research, I decided that I would use it as a means to inform my artistic work. In this way I wanted to challenge how I thought about my work and how I made choices. This led me to formulate the following research question:
How can I create a stage performance combining and connecting my two sound worlds/style identities as a performer?
I stated that I would do this by exploring music by G. F. Handel and the book ‘Heart of Darkness’ by Joseph Conrad. These counterpoints served as the framework for my artistic idea. From these two I gathered material, inspiration and themes that formed the building blocks of my performance piece. Through the steps described in the reflection section of this research, I explored how I wanted to create my work. This turned into a highly fruitful and enjoyable process.
Answer research question
Since this part of my degree is to be finished before I present the final project in my Master’s exam concert, I have chosen to focus the conclusion of this research on the answers the reflection has given me so far. I am positive that this process is far from over and that my reflection on this work will continue also after I have presented my final project. Because the research question was focused on the process, I was able to gather a lot of experience and grow as an artist through the reflective process.
I have created and developed my project through following a consequential progression of documented artistic choices, and through this space that has unfolded I have come to find an essential identity of myself as a performer and creator. By being honest towards myself through the critical reflection, I have been able to investigate my process, my preferences, inspirations and my distinct personal style. Through this, I have been able to strengthen my artistic identity and the artistic tools I use, bringing forth a more complete performer.
By defining two different sound identities or styles within myself I have been able to explore both within a historical and individual context.
By focusing on the creation of a stage performance I was able to explore ideas connected to both identities and therefore connect them. By focusing on combining my two style identities I was able to develop a stage performance that explored my artistic ideas.
As stated in the Introduction, the goal of this research was to help me to explore this project with my own artistic identity and gather experience and specific knowledge that can lead to new projects, collaborations and further develop the outreach of my artistic work. I feel I have reached this goal in many ways. I now think differently about how I create and perform, and what my skills are and can be. I have experienced that this approach has been inspiring and has helped me strengthen the tools I need to use for developing and creating.
