Music for controlled bodies: bodily integrity as a compositional theme

Abstract

How can the pressing contemporary theme of bodily integrity be mapped to new music? A portfolio of pieces and this accompanying commentary are presented in answer to this research question. Each piece interrogates aspects of bodily integrity, and its potential for new musical stimulus. Given the role of the artist in reflecting on societal issues, an awareness of such contemporary themes and their implications is paramount.

This commentary analyses the portfolio of original compositions alongside works from other composers, using relevant taxonomies to provide a theoretical justification for the techniques employed. The results of these analyses demonstrate how compositions can carry traces of the central theme through the manipulation of compositional elements and techniques. The commentary concludes with reflections on future directions that compositions in this vein could take