Capabilities and Roles if the Piccolo in 21st Century: Studies of Selected Repertoires for Piccolo by International Contemporary Composers

Abstract

This research project aims to promote the piccolo flute on the Thai Classical music scene through the creation of newly composed pieces for solo piccolo by international contemporary composers.

This research is based on performance practice studies of selected original pieces within the piccolo repertoire conducted through interviews with the composers Pablo Aguirre, Mike Mower, Salvador Brotons and Morakot Cherdchoo-ngarm.   The study demonstrates the sonic and expressive potentials of the modern piccolo through the range of timbral variations, dynamics as well as the range of sound projections explored through the entire range of the instrument. The composers also often integrate various musical materials borrowed from contrasting idioms such as jazz and traditional music in their compositions, showing that the piccolo can also be a tool to explore cultural exchanges in music. The author hopes that the interest generated by this project will encourage more practical skills studies and musicological studies of the piccolo, as well as generate a wider appreciation for this particular instrument. The project also hopes to encourage Thai composers to write for the instrument.