The Performer-Composer: A Practice in Interrelation

Thomas Aurlund Lossius

A simultaneous role of performer and composer is crucial in a vast number of artistic praxises. In this artistic research project, I explore creative possibilities the performing composer role offers. I also discuss how my performing composer praxis has inspired my interpretation of compositions by others. The project is situated in my own artistic praxis and has an auto-hermeneutical approach. My primary method has been to compose music for myself and to perform it. This has led me to create compositions which are more improvisational, orally conveyed and open to diverse interpretations. I have also performed with a more co-creative, personally engaged and holistically oriented mindset. I have further experimented in performing compositions by others while imagining myself to be the composer. This has offered an alternative interpretative approach that resound deeply with me on an aesthetic level. Finally, I have reflected on how a performing composer discourse can unsettle the hierarchical language of composition and interpretation. The project builds on a broader movement in artistic research and musicology, problematising the apparent dichotomy between composers and performers [Leech-Wilkinson, 2016; Cornish, 2015; Cook, 2013], and investigating the role of the performing composer or composing performer [Spears, 2022; Beaugeais, 2020; Groth, 2017]. The project constitutes my master thesis in performing music at the University of Bergen with specialisation in jazz .

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Pendulum Phases

Pendulum Phases is a post-minimalist framework for bass improvisation. It is composed of repetitive patterns built from the overtones of open strings. Overtones - the music predating man, permeating every natural sound, providing the building blocks of all music theory. Overtones - being generated from the pendulum movements of the string, ever moving in and out of phase with its creator. The improvisation invites the audience to a state of contemplation and deep listening.

Pendulum Phases consists of a composed version, in order to convey and polish its techniques. The techniques are also used as an approach to improvisation in solo contexts, in ensembles and in interdisciplinary performances.

Sheet music is an unfinished draft.

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Thomas Aurlund Lossius - The Performer-Composer: A Practice in Interrelation - 2023