Composition Portfolio

Abstract

The following is a descriptive analysis and interpretation of a body of work spanning two years during my Masters of Music postgraduate course in the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin. I will endeavor to give a broad picture of the thematic elements within the larger portfolio collection, highlight the main influences that have contributed to the works, and also discuss in some detail the processes by which my compositions find completion. In order to create a concise composition commentary around my portfolio it is important to recognize the influences prior to initiating the Masters course, as well as understand the main contributors to any works undertaken in the last two years. It is my hope that discussing this will indicate what I feel in myself to be a change in compositional voice and direction. I will also take the opportunity in commentary to discuss possible relevance for future work; processes that were efficient or had greatest reward, devices that proved to be of little benefit, and sketches or ideas that perhaps haven't seen their fulfillment and will benefit from reflection in this document.