This project explores some of the ways that improvisation is used within Scottish traditional music, looking at topics such as tradition-bearing, intentionality, and melodic/rhythmic conception in an oral tradition. In the essay I draw on concepts from jazz and explain how my ideas about improvisation and music shifted over the course of the year. The project challenged me to reflect on my own musical background and values, while opening the door to different ways of imagining, creating and practicing music.
Rachel Groves
Improvisation in Scottish Traditional Music
Follow:
Project description
The Moon Shined On My Bed Last Night
'The Moon Shined on My Bed Last Night' is a ballad from the North East. I aimed to capture the 'feeling' of song through the rhythmic and melodic improvisation/variation, and express the meaning of the lyrics and nuances of the voice. I kept the accompaniment simple and improvised in order to support and bring out the melody.
Islands in the Clouds
This tune was inspired after climbing Ben Hope, the most northerly munro in Scotland. We walked through thick clouds until we finally emerged in blue sky on the summit. All around us we could a sea of cloud, with other mountain tops rising like islands in the distance. I wrote the tune to describe the feeling of this place.
About
I grew up in Aberdeenshire, and began playing the harp aged eleven. This soon led me to start writing and arranging music first for harp, and later for other instruments as well. Whether through performing, composing or teaching, I love sharing music and making connections across different ideas.
Attending courses, concerts and workshops at Edinburgh International Harp Festival almost every year since I started learning the harp has played an important role in my musical development. It was after attending in 2013 that I decided I would study music, and I performed there in 2019. While living in Aberdeen I had the chance to lead the Christmas concert 'Harps of Gold', and was commissioned to write for the Aberdeen Harp Project. At university, I was Musical Director of the a capella group Shirley Tempos, and on committee of Edinburgh University Composer's Orchestra. I have also played with groups such as the Clarsach Society, at RCS Junior Conservatoire, and at international folk music camps and festivals.
I plan to take a year out of study to play, write and teach before pursuing further education in music.
Rachel Groves
Improvisation in Scottish Traditional Music
Follow:
/sites/default/files/2021-07/Improvisation%20in%20Scottish%20Traditional%20Music%20edited_0.pdf
