Research
Ryan's full dissertation, titled Halim El-Dabh's Derabucca Notation and its Implication on Performance Practice can be found in the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database.
Abstract
The purpose of this document is to aid a performer's interpretation and preparation of Halim El-Dabh's Sonic No. 7 and No. 10, The Miraculous Tale , and Sweet and Prickly Pear . This project highlights the composer's unique method of notating techniques for the derabucca as well as his innovative compositional style in the aforementioned works. The original notational systems employed in these works represent one of the few written attempts to communicate advanced derabucca performance techniques to a classically-trained percussionist in published repertoire. Both prescriptive and descriptive in nature, these notational systems are the most ornate and visual of El-Dabh's writing for derabucca. Performance techniques, exercises, interpretation, and information based on composer interviews are included. It is the author's hope that this study will serve as a guide to interpreting and performing these works, as well as adapting the playing techniques to other instruments. It is the author's additional hope to bring attention to the creative notation systems used, which may be models for other non-western instruments.
Poster Presentation - PASIC 2014
Click the image below to download a copy of the poster presentation.
Sonic No. 7 and No. 10 by Halim El-Dabh
The purpose of this presentation is to aid in the interpretation as well as highlight the unique and innovative notational style Halim El-Dabh uses to express desired sound and musical intention in his work Sonic No. 7 and No. 10. This original notational system developed by El-Dabh is one of the few written attempts to communicate advanced playing techniques of the derabucca to a classically-trained percussionist. The notation used in this work is the most ornate and visual of El-Dabh’s writing for derabucca as symbols are provided to designate five facets of performance. Each facet has additional levels of specificity and instruction provided by the composer, giving a high level of prescription to this work.