Ardhanariswara: A Composition-as-Research Project for String Quartet and Dance

Abstract

The written component is a critical commentary on this video 'Ardhanariswara: A composition-as-research project for string quartet and dance’: http://briefencounters-journal.co.uk/BE/pages/view/nick-gray-ardhanariswaraArdhanariswara is a musical exploration of the female-male form of the Hindu god Shiva through the medium of string quartet and choreography. The music makes use of the gendered voices of the string quartet medium, mirroring the SATB format of a choir, and also explores interlocking techniques derived from Balinese gamelan music, in particular the quartet of metallophones, gendér wayang, which accompanies shadow plays.