RSUSSH 2020

IN20-167 Yggdrasil: A Music Composition for Synthesizers and Rhythm Section

Presenter: Sit Kesjamras
Assumption University, Thailand

Abstract

          Yggdrasil: A Music Composition for Synthesizers and Rhythm Section is a composition that is presented as a crossover music between rock music, electronic dance music, and a classical music of the twentieth century. The inspiration of the composition is based on the chaotic atmosphere of the world tree, Yggdrasil in Norse mythology. The piece can be analyzed in two parts: the rhythm section part and a melody part. The crossover aspect of the music can be seen in the rhythm section in which consisted of two electric guitars playing power chords with distortion effect, an electric bass, and a drumset that has the sound and tuning of a rock drumset but playing an electronic dance music’s groove. The main melody is composed using twelve-tone technique. The usage of modulation and pitch-bend from a keyboard allows the composer to present the microtones in each melody passage. The composition features many aspects in music writing such as classical music composition, technique of twentieth-century music composition, music technology, elements from songwriting and contemporary arranging. The mixing and mastering of the music is produced using panning, equalization, and reverb so that it can present an atmosphere of the world tree.

Keywords: Crossover Music; Music Composition; Synthesizers; Twelve-tones Serialism

Citation format:

Kesjamras, S.. (2020). Yggdrasil: A Music Composition for Synthesizers and Rhythm Section. Proceeding in RSU International Research Conference, May 1, 2020. Pathum Thani, Thailand.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

ผศ.ดร.เด่น อยู่ประเสริฐ (Chairperson)

Great concept!  Is your Prime 0 based on any harmonic structure?  

Sit Kesjamras (Presenter)

Greeting, Asst. Prof. Dr. Denny
The original idea of Prime 0 is not based on any harmonic structure. The sound of the melody is meant to float above the harmonic progression.
However, when combining with rhythmic patterns and separeting the Prime 0 into 3 motivic groups, some notes become part of chords such as 7th, #9, #11, and so on, especially when chords are written and performed as power chords.