Abstract:
This study explores musical composition within contemporary theatre to
rejuvenate traditional musical legacies and challenge established artistic
structures. Grounded in Ghana’s rich cultural diversity and inspired by the
concept of sankɔfa (cultural return to roots), the research endeavours to craft
artistic expressions reflective of Ghanaian heritage. Employing Artistic
Research within the Arts-Based Research (ABR) framework, this study
develops ‘Pɛrpl Greyps,’ a ‘programmatic visual’ music inspired by
indigenous storytelling traditions. The composition aims to revitalise
Ghanaian-Akan-Mfantse folklore (Kodzi) by integrating traditional rhythms,
avant-garde techniques, and visual arts. A customised compositional
framework is also devised to promote Ghanaian unity (nkabom). Integrating
traditional Ghanaian rhythms into ‘Pɛrpl Greyps’ enriches its authenticity,
while exploration of avant-garde techniques further revitalises Ghanaian ‘art’
music. The composition incorporates looping, aleatory, and eclecticism
techniques enhanced by narrative art and music technology. The research
employs auditory, visual, and ecological elements to shape musical concepts,
emphasising the importance of documenting and analysing musical
compositions. Recommendations include exploring traditional Ghanaian
rhythmic resources, integrating diverse musical materials, and refining custom
compositional structures with contemporary techniques and technology.
Through this exploration, ‘Pɛrpl Greyps’ demonstrates the transformative
power of music and art in celebrating cultural heritage, fostering unity, and
facilitating shared experiences in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
