A style discussion of Kahlolo, Let_at_i, and Vocalise Africa by Alexander Frederick Johnson

Abstract

South African composer, Alexander Johnson is a prolific and outstanding figure among his contemporaries. His numerous works and contributions to South African classical and indigenous music is worthy of mention. Over the years, he has been recognised both locally and internationally for his contributions by receiving numerous awards, honorary positions, as well as commissions. His works have been performed both locally and internationally. Johnson’s compositional style mostly features diverse musical elements and devices from the post-tonal era. He also utilises special and unique compositional techniques in his works which give him a ‘signature.’ This study discusses and disseminates brief information on Johnson’s biography, as well as a catalogue of the composer’s published works. Most importantly, the three works in this study namely Kahlolo, Let_at_i, and Vocalise Africa feature Johnson’s unique interpretation of South African music in the twenty-first century. This study focuses on exploring the background of the three chosen works, and the inspiration behind the creation of these works. Furthermore, the compositional techniques employed by the composer, as well as the distinguishing features of his compositional style are also discussed. This study additionally aims to trace and disseminate similarities between the three respective works as well as analyse the three selected pieces with regard to mostly harmonic devices and techniques, melody, rhythm, form structure, texture, and registration for organ music. Each piece is comprehensively discussed separately, with emphasis on the above topics. Further research in the future could entail a study on style discussion of Johnson’s more recent compositions in other genres and instrumentation.