Abstract:
The composer Stefans Grové not only contributed to South African art music but also achieved success in the field of literature. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between his prose and his music and determine the influence of word art on meaning in his compositions. The relationship between literature and music is explored as background to the investigation of Grové’s oeuvre. The role of music in Grové’s short stories and sketches is determined. It seems that music is not a significant theme of these tales but rather has a supporting function. In some stories music plays no role at all. However, these narratives do provide a great deal of biographical and cultural information. Word art is an essential part of Grové’s compositions and plays a key role in the determining and communication of meaning. His art reflects the variety of cultures native to South Africa. These cultural influences are manifested in his compositions and are reinforced by the accompanying word art. The need for a comprehensive biography about Grové’s contribution as academic, composer, critic and writer has been identified during the course of this study.
