Generation Of Inspiration And Aspiration In Ghanaian Choral Music Composition: Alfred Entsua-Mensah And John Gershom Koomson

Abstract

In the early decades of the twentieth century, many Ghanaian choral music composers from different cultural backgrounds composed songs to depict African/Ghanaian identity distinguishing them from the European styles experienced by the people of the Gold Coast through the activities of the Christian missionaries. The European presence during the pre-independence era has impacted heavily on the economic, social, cultural and musical lives of indigenous Ghanaians. Born in 1906 at Elmina, Alfred Entsua-Mensah inspired by the intercultural environment created through Ghanaian European interactions during colonialism originally created new choral and instrumental music idioms of both Ghanaian and Western traits. The uniqueness of his art works is as a result of the extensive use of complicated rhythmic motif derived from the African society popularly called syncopation, and Western harmonic principles and elements such as chords like dominant seventh chords, augmented sixth chords as well as chromaticism. Per yɛ papa, M’enyigye nsunyiwa, Asamanadwow a, are few examples of art works with the aforementioned elements. Aspired by the compositional philosophies of Entsua-Mensah, John Gershom Koomson, also from Elmina originally introduced similar compositional style. The objective of this thesis is to delve into the profiles of the two composers of different generations but with common identifiable compositional traits. It again examines their works which will be an inspirational tool to the up and coming composers to work tirelessly in discovering their own unique creative compositional techniques and styles. Works of the above composers are analyzed disclosing their compositional creativity and philosophy. The objective of this study is intended to be achieved through data collection in relation to the composers of the study, transcription of scores, transliteration of text, and analysis and interpretation of selected pieces. It is envisaged that the biographical studies and the analysis of the compositions of Entsua-Mensah and J. G. Koomson will be of a great importance to scholars, students and composers when they patronize and try to apply the styles and techniques in their own works. It will as well add to the existing literature and enhance the study and composition of choral music in Ghana. I therefore recommend that art music composers alive make available their profiles and biographical details and make them accessible to all without hindrances. Also the choral works of Entsua-Mensah and John G. Koomson can be used as pedagogical tool for exercises in chromatic music for university students to polish up their analytical and musical skills. University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh

Description

Keywords

Choral Music, Choral Music Composition, Ghanaian Choral Music, Alfred Entsua-Mensah

Citation

Endorsement

Review

Supplemented By

Referenced By