Rafael Reina

Students' concert presentation 2018:
Contemporary Music through Non-Western Techniques

Monday, 19th November 2016
Amsterdam Blue Note, Conservatorium van Amsterdam

Featuring pieces created by Benjamin Thiebault, Luka Batista, Sander Notenbaert, Nuno Lobo, Mari Pepa Contreras and Rafael Reina.

Each creator uses techniques from the programme Contemporary music through non-western techniques in his or her own way, mixed with their own style and/or aesthetics. Each piece is therefore completely different from another and quite unique.

The programme is structured for improvisers, composers and classical performers. The common denominator is the deep study of rhythmical techniques and concepts derived from the theory of South-Indian classical music (also known as 'Karnatic' music). Students undergo an intense study of these techniques and concepts in order to use them either as creative tools, to enhance the compositional and/or improvisational possibilities within a western framework or, as a powerful analytical and practical tool to dissect and accurately perform western contemporary compositions.

Contemporary Music through Non-Western Techniques and
Advanced Rhythm

The four-year programme Contemporary Music through Non-Western Techniques and its trimester-long introduction Advanced Rhythm developed by Rafael Reina and taught at the Amsterdam Conservatoire, supply the training to address the rhythmical demands of 20th and 21st Century music.

Book: Applying Karnatic Rhythmical Techniques to Western Music

Rafael Reina’s book, Applying Karnatic Rhythmical Techniques to Western Music is available from Routledge in hard cover, paperback and as an ebook.

Doctorate

Rafael Reina has recently completed a PhD at the University of Brunel in London on the pedagogical and creative applications of Karnatic rhythmical structures to Western music.

Master classes

Rafael Reina offers Master classes to higher music education institutions and has taught around Europe, most recently at Cambridge University, Leeds College of Music, Birmingham Conservatoire, UK; ESMUC, Barcelona, Spain and Academy of Music, Tallinn, Estonia.

Compositions

Reina has composed music for numerous contemporary music ensembles, in addition to writing several operas and composing for orchestra. Some of Reina’s large oeuvre of music for percussion is available from Edition Svitzer and some of his pieces for recorder are available from Edition Tre Fontane.

Students' concert presentation 2018: Contemporary Music through Non-Western Techniques