McArthur, Cameron ORCID: 0000-0002-2145-0604
(2024)
Harnessing Momentum: A practice-based investigation into the implementation of musical momentum as a tool informing intuition and decision-making in composition.
PhD thesis, University of York.
Abstract
This folio makes a practice–based investigation of musical momentum, from the composer’s
perspective. Through the creation of ten original works, I have developed novel approaches
to composition led by the prioritisation of momentum, explored the integration of momentum–led approaches into my practice as a composer, and evaluated their impact
upon my experience making music. The works are not necessarily aligned in terms of subject matter; rather, they are connected by my sustained focus on the implementation of
momentum as a guiding tool for both intuitive and rational decision-making. This focus
shaped my creative reasoning at every stage of composition.
In the supporting commentary, I outline some of the ways that this prioritisation of
momentum as a conceptual tool influenced my practice. I explain the development and
implementation of several momentum-based processes, and discuss how secondary factors
such as density, entropy, and volatility can impact upon the harnessing of momentum. The
pieces in the folio are varied – there are solo, duo, ensemble, and orchestral works, as well
as a mix of acoustic, electronic, and hybrid approaches. The works are unified by their concerted focus on directed musical energy.
Metadata
Supervisors: | Simaku, Thomas |
---|---|
Keywords: | Music, Composition, Momentum, Practice, Intuition, Decision-making, Process, McArthur, Cameron |
Awarding institution: | University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > School of Arts and Creative Technologies (York) |
Depositing User: | Mr Cameron McArthur |
Date Deposited: | 18 Jun 2025 11:23 |
Last Modified: | 18 Jun 2025 11:23 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:etheses.whiterose.ac.uk:36907 |
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