Time, organic bonds and silence, a different perspective on a western musical tradition

Abstract

My investigation explores how a set of Japanese aesthetical conceptions related to Zen Buddhism could influence my perspective about musical interpretation and composition within a Western Art Music context, classical as well contemporary. The first part of the thesis aims at identifying a different art functionalism caused by the analysis of some influences of Japanese thoughts on Western perception of Nature and of physical phenomena, such as time and space. The second part delineates possible ways to implement these influences artistically when performing or conducting existing works and composing a series of new pieces. My point of departure is subjective and reflects an intention to broaden my perspectives with regard to musical practise. Additionally, the thesis addresses issues that may be relevant to an interdisciplinary discourse in scientific communities.