Invictus. An Analysis of a Third Stream Composition

The "Third Stream" is a recent development in the last 50 years as a musical genre. It describes the combination of Western Art music together with various other genres (e.g. Ethnic, Jazz, Pop) in a musical composition to create a unique work of art. In this study Wikus van der Hoven analyses how the basic elements of music are combined and synthesised to create a third stream composition. As a vehicle for analysis he uses the commissioned composition "Invictus: Orchestral work in 3 movements" by his mentor the South African composer Novel Stockton. In turn each of the basic elements of music are analysed and the reader discovers how the elements of music are uniquely combined to create a musical composition in this style. This study is ideal for the music theorist and performer, who seeks a deeper understanding of third stream music. It also offers the novice a very self explanatory introduction and more advanced analysis in this very exciting new musical genre.