Abstract:
The combination of word and sound in music is a universal phenomenon. In this
dissertation I utilise phenomenological and practice-led methodologies to explore the
relationship between music and language, with consideration to the impact of these findings
upon compositional practice. An exploration of literature surrounding phenomenological
perspectives of word, sound, and voice reveals that music and language share a common
ancestral predecessor, ‘musilanguage.’ This evolutionary bond suggests that music and
language exist along the same spectrum. The dissertation applies these musilinguistic
theories to a selection of 21st century compositions to explore the manifestation of theory
in practice. This is followed by reflective conceptual analyses of three compositions that I
composed alongside the theoretical research in order to explore compositional tools that
manipulate the music-language relationship. The analysis reveals that an awareness of
musilanguage and the music-language spectrum significantly enriches compositional
outcomes. The transdisciplinary application of musilanguage theories can alter perceptions
of word, sound, and voice for composers, performers, and listeners alike.