AASHI- A SOLO PIANO COMPOSITION BASED ON THE KPAASHIMƆ MUSICAL GENRE

ABSTRACT 

The research explored compositional resources and musical etiquette synonymous with Kpaashim 4 music of the Ga, specifically the people of Teshie, and sought to analyse musical elements of interest to the composer. Data were collected using observation, interview as well as audio and video recordings. The study collected six (6) Kpaa songs. Elements such as lineal and vertical sonorities, rhythm and instruments were critically examined and some of its generative processes were selected and fused with Western compositional techniques to create a three-movement piano art music titled Aashi. The title Aashi means stomping, the underpinning sonorities of the resultant stomping of feet which characterizes the annual H 4 m 4 w 4 festival musical performances.  Its three movements have been named Sa lala1 (Mlin Jaa Ekome2), Wɔŋ shi Tɛshie3 (Mlin Jaa Eny44) and Shitee5 Bitters (Mlin Jaa Et16). A detailed sectional analysis of the 

score has been provided to guide both performers and listeners. The study confirms the model of intercultural composition theory which says that the art music composer must have firm background knowledge of the traditional music in use so as to maintain the idiom whilst he innovates a new music consistent with the tradition in a creative thinking style. The study also adds to existing Ghanaian art solo piano works and serves as literature to future music theory and composition students.