A jazz suite composition project The 31 Doors : the applications of various jazz theoretical elements in composing a symbolic musical piece

Abstract

The purpose of this recital paper was to describe the compositional procedure, sources, and performance aspects of 31 Doors. This original composition is a jazz suite based on the ideas of the planes of existence, a crucial set of Buddhist beliefs concerning with the thirty-one realms where the cyclicality of death and rebirth endlessly persists. There are both pleasant and suffering realms, and to where a soul will reincarnate is determined by its deeds in the past life. The concepts were used as groundwork to this composition and conveyed through a series of articulated events, different ensemble combination, forms, and contemporary jazz idioms. The theoretical analysis, formal, harmonic, and rhythmic aspects of 31 Doors were the main focused. It also discussed how the Buddhist beliefs and ideas were conveyed in the music. In general, the structure of the five movements were dramatically marked by changes in tempo, tonality, meter, and /or character of grooves. The composer used modal harmony to create a wider melodic possibility and a sense of mystery. The rhythmic aspect of the composition was the most complex. The application of metric modulation and irregular meters determined the designs of many drum patterns and grooves. The recital document also addressd performance issues of the five movements in 31 Doors, such as rehearsal strategies for drum and the whole ensemble.;