Masters Degrees (Odeion School of Music)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Odeion School of Music) by Subject "Accordion music"

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    Nico Carstens as innoveerder van Suid-Afrikaanse populêre musiek
    (University of the Free State, 2013-01) Louw, Susanna Helena Robina; Viljoen, N. G. J.; Viljoen, M.
    English: This study focuses on the contribution of the South African accordion player and composer, Nico Carstens. As one of the most notable early exponents of South African light music, Nico Carstens has delivered a prolific output that has not only earned him the status of a national music icon, but has also resulted in international fame. It is remarkable that, throughout his career, he contributed more than 2 000 hits. His greatest success, by far, was the song “Zambezi”, which earned him instant international recognition, and was subsequently performed by world-renowned stars such as Eddy Calvert, Bert Kaempfert, The Shadows and Johnny Dankworth. In spite of Carstens’ importance within the field of South African light music, up to now, no comprehensive study has yet been undertaken to determine and document his contribution. Therefore, a more profound study on the meaning of his work with regard to the development and wider exposure of South African light music was necessary. This study focuses on the ways in which Carstens has managed as composer and performer to elevate and enrich the traditional boeremusiek idiom by means of a fusion of different musical influences and styles to a stylised, more comprehensive, though very accessible South African popular music identity. Firstly, a biographic perspective is presented offered in which the most important events during Carstens’ music career, linked directly with his development of South African popular music, is highlighted. Secondly, his artistic contribution is described at the hand of three topics, namely those of his compositions, his discography and his role as entertainment artist. The value of the research is that this study is the first of its kind to offer a profound investigation and valuation of Carstens’ music and his contribution to South African light music.