Viola Caipira: aesthetic creation and reflection based on free improvisation, tone and musical gesture

Abstract

In this research we intend to develop an artistic work in music through a rapprochement between the viola caipira, considering its performance and socio-cultural status, and the field of contemporary composition, particularly through studies about free improvisation, timbre and musical gesture. This work aims at developing new sound and compositional possibilities to the viola caipira in order to expand its repertoire. Thus, this research will be based initially on a deep analysis of characteristic elements from the traditional viola caipira repertoire — from the point of view of its musical materials and of its distinct idiomatic gestural results –, and on the study of writing processes and extended techniques in the performance of this instrument as well as others alike in current music. These activities will be complemented with free improvisation serving as reservoir of experimental materials to be developed during the composition. Later, a memorial will be done with details of the relevant decisions taken during the compositional process, as well as a critical thinking on the aesthetic choices, gestures and techniques worked out in this work, as a whole.