Out on a Limb: An Assessment of Innovative Patterns in Music

Abstract

The following presentation seeks to examine instances of musical innovation in the 21st century and outline a process for modern-day innovation in the field of art music. Examination will include the assessment of the music and creative process of 21st century New Renaissance Artist Elizabeth A. Baker. I will discuss what it means to be a New Renaissance Artist and why such a title applies to the art created by Baker. I plan to support such examination with details procured through an interview with Baker and an analysis of the music from Baker’s double LP Quadrivium, released in May of 2018. Furthermore, I seek to detail the conditions in which musical innovation can occur. Using the information obtained through interview and music analysis, I will create an overview of the key elements of change that are often present during the innovation of art music. I will divide the process of innovation into two stages - an analytical stage and a creative stage - and I will discuss how these stages interact with each other to establish a breeding ground for innovative process.