Performance and analysis in Jonathan Harvey's Advaya

Date
2018
DOI
Authors
Marotto, Stephen Costanzo
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
This analysis examines Jonathan Harvey’s seminal electroacoustic work, Advaya, for cello, electronic keyboard, and electronics. The paper is divided into three sections: a survey of Harvey’s writing for cello; a harmonic analysis; and a performance-based analysis. In the first section, I discuss his unique style of cello writing and certain techniques he uses to expand the available palate of colors that can be obtained from the instrument. For the second section I examine the various ways in which Harvey builds musical constructs based on the spectrum of the cello’s A string (220 Hz), and the overarching harmonic structures of the work. In the final section, I discuss issues that arise from the point of view of a musician preparing the piece for performance along with a pedagogical discussion of the extended techniques used, accompanied by companion videos. This paper is intended for cellists, musicians, and non-musicians alike as a springboard for further investigation into the incredible and underrated music of Jonathan Harvey.
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