A TWENTIETH CENTURY ART MUSIC COMPOSER.doc

A TWENTIETH CENTURY ART MUSIC COMPOSER: DAYO OYEDUN


A TERM PAPER

BY

ADEOJE, OLAOLUWA AYOKUNMI
119018012
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN MUSIC

SUBMITTED TO


DR STEPHEN OLUSOJI
ON
STUDIES IN BAROQUE AND CLASSICAL FORMS (MUS 714)

INTRODUCTION
Twentieth century music started from 19th century. It is referred to
as modern music characterized by features like polyrythm, polyhrmony,
polytonality, atonality, serial music, tone rows etc and forms like
expressionism, neo-classism, nationalism and so on. From history,
expressionism was the German answer to French impressionism.
(Machlis,1991:273).
One way of rejecting the nineteenth century was to return to
eighteenth. The movement "back to Bach" assumed impressive proportions in
the early 1920s. instead of worshiping at the shrine of Beethoven and
Wagner, as the Romantics had done, composers began to emulate the great
musicians of the eighteenth century-Bach, Handel, Vivaldi-and the detached,
objective style that was supposed to characterized their music.(Kristine M,
1991:274).
The twentieth century nationalism approached the old folk songs in a
scientific spirit, prizing the ancient tunes precisely.
Dayo Oyedun as a twentieth century composer is both a neo-classical
music composer and a nationalist. This is because his style follows the
masters of the Baroque and Classical period (Handel, Bach, Mozart),
consciously refusing the impressionism of the Romantic era. Also he is a
nationalist because most of his works are written in his mother tongue.
The aim of Nigerian art musicians is to make his compositions
culturally relevant to the Nigerian situation. Having been trained in a
predominantly European tradition, He seeks for more Afro-centric approach
in his bid to evolve an original tradition of modern Nigerian Art music.
Oikelome (2005:60)

HISTORY OF DAYO OYEDUN (1972- till date)
i) His Birth
Dr. Dayo Sunday Oyedun was born into a music family in Abeokuta,
western Nigeria in May 21, 1972, at 4:35pm in the General Hospital
Abeokuta. As of the time of his birth, the attending mid wife noticing the
movement of his fingers made this remark "wai!!! See how fast his fingers
run, he certainly will be a great pianist.
His father Gabriel Bamidele Oyedun was a leading Baptist organist, who
served as the principal organist manning the pipe organ in First Baptist
Church Ijaye Abeokuta (1968-1978), and later, the organist of Oritamefa
Baptist Church (1978-1996). He was one of the fortunate few organists
trained by the Baptist missionaries in the 1950s; Gabriel Bamidele was
inducted into the act of organ playing by Miss. Alma Rohm in Baptist
College, Iwo.
The music interest of Dayo became evident from childhood as it was
noticed that the only thing that would stop the cry of the baby Dayo was
the music of Mozart's Eine Kleine Nacht music.
ii) Education
Dayo started his primary education in Baptist Day School Idi-Aba
Abeokuta, in 1976. His primary education was interrupted in 1978 when his
father formerly teaching in Baptist Women College, Idi-Aba was transferred
to Ibadan, Oyo State, following the creation of states in 1978. He later
completed his primary school in Abadina Primary school and staff school,
University of Ibadan (U.I.).
He started his secondary education in Loyola College Ibadan, in 1983-1985,
but later moved to International School, University of Ibadan in 1986-1990.
His testimonial in International School reads "Dayo was an asset to the
School Choir, a valuable one indeed.
In between 1990-1994, he studied Biochemistry in Obafemi Awolowo
University, Ile-Ife, and later gained admission to study Medicine in the
University of Ibadan in 1995 and completed his medical training in
2002/2003. He began his post graduate education in Anatomy in 2008.
Throughout his education, Dayo had always been in the school choir. He
started as a member of the choir in staff school. He was the band-leader in
Loyola College, band. Later he became a tenor singer and accompanist in the
International School Ibadan. During his undergraduate days in U.I., he was
a tenor singer and accompanist. And now, he is the founder and music
director of the University College Hospital (UCH) Sinfonia Choir, Ibadan.
(iii) Musical Training
Dayo began his musical training with his father who introduced him to
hymns playing at the age of four. Being of Baptist background, his father
would make him practice hymns in different keys (one key per month). He
later commenced violin lesson with Professor Isaac Grillo, a Professor of
Surgery and a renounced Baptist Violinist. In fact, he bought Dayo his
first violin and would make him practice scales, hymns and violin solos.
While in primary and secondary school, he started studying recorder and
mouth organ. He joined the recorder ensemble in Loyola College Ibadan, and
rose from member to the band leader. He perfected playing both the recorder
and mouth organ using scared music under the Tutorage of Mr. Eyinade (a
teacher). He began rudiments of music lessons with several people whose
names are not mentioned below.
He enrolled for Associated Board of Royal school of Music (ABRSM) grade
in theory and practical 1981 which he passed with distinction. Between the
years 1982-1989, he sat for ABRSM piano grades 2-8 passing with
distinctions all through.
At various stages of his ABRSM piano grade music examination, he was
under the tutorage of the following music teachers: His father, Mr. G.B.
Oyedun, Mr. Sapon, who was a Ghanaian and as at then, was the music teacher
in U.I. Staff School, Mr. Philip and Emmanuel Boamah, Mrs. Amorelle Inanga,
(L.RSM), the former music teacher in the International School, University
of Ibadan, Dr. Mrs. Miller (M-Mus, B.Mus) and Late Esq Olaolu Omibiyi. Dayo
interest in choral works was spurred by a number of factors as stated
below.
1. As a child he followed his father to choir rehearsals first in First
Baptist Church Ijaye and later in Oritamefa Baptist Church. This
gradually built up his exposure and interests in famous composition
like "Halleluyah", "And The Glory", "Gloria" and "O Thou That
Tallest".
2. He was fond of attending concerts, getting inspirations and making
mentors. His favourite conductors are: Mr. Oyesiku (then Artiste in
residence and conductor of University of Ibadan Choir, Rev. John Aina
(Former Music Director of Apostolic Faith Central Choir and
Orchestra), Esq. Tolu Fatoyinbo (former Director of Music) of St.
Peters Cathedral Aremo Choir).
His favourite concert pianists include: Van Clinburd (England), Mr. Philip
and Mr. Emmanuel Boamah, Mrs. Amorelle Inanga and Mr. Richard Bucknar.
His favourite concert organists were: Simeon Preston (Organist, St. Paul
Cathedral London), Esq. Olaolu Omideyi (Late), Organist St. James
Cathedral, Mr. Christopher Ayodele – currently Associate Organists, All
saints Jericho and Miss. Juliane Blaine – Organist Presbyterian Church, New
York, who has been described as an organ virtuoso.
Among his favourite concert soloists are: Professor (Mrs.) Mosunmola
Obidike, Mr. Olu Abiola, Luciano, Parvapotti, and Domengo.
Dayo oyedun studied analysis of music and piano techniques with Mrs.
Amorelle Inanga and Mr. Boamah (International Concert Pianist). He studied
Cantata performance and compositions with Mrs. Miller, an American
Missionary and Music Scholar in Antioch Baptist church, Ogbomosho, Oyo
State. He studied organ techniques and pedaling with Late Olaolu Omideyi
and he studied sight playing and phrasing with Mr. Emmanuel Boamah.
Dr. Oyedun has special interest in opera. When he was in SS 1, he was one
of the casts in two opera musicals – Wizard of OZ, on Wednesday, 20th
March, 1988 by 5pm and Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd of March, same year,
by 7pm with the gate fee of N1.00 for school children and N2.00 for others,
and Sallad Days.
In 1989, he traveled to Ireland to study organ with Scott Bill (F.Rco)
and later with Miss. Beatrice Watt, both of St. Jude Basicllica.
Dr. Oyedun's strongest music skill is probably composition. Dr. Davidson
(Ph.D Voice) and James Yankee were his mentor. Oyedun started composing at
the age of six and he wrote short pieces for voice and the piano. His first
choral composition was in 1990.
(iv) Awards
Dr. Dayo had the following music awards (a) Late Rev. Dr. Dahunsi award
for the best teenage Baptist pianist (1983); (b) Best graduating music
student, ISI 1989, (c) Best Foreign students in ABRSM grade 6 (1984), and
(d) 2nd Runner Up, Mozart Piano Competition Austria (1988).
(v) Music Appointments
Dr. Dayo Oyedun served in the following capacities:
1. Band leader, Loyola College Band, (1983-1984).
2. Music Director, Victory singers, Agodi Baptist Church (1990-1998).
3. Accompanist, International School Choir (1985-1988).
4. Music Director, UCH Sinfonia (1998-2000).
5. Pianist/organist, Antioch Baptist Church Ogbomosho (1992-1994).
6. Associate organist, Oritamefa Baptist Church (1989-1996)
7. Principal Organist, Oritamefa Baptist Church (1997-till date)
8. Organist, Ibadan Baptist Mass Choir (1996 till date).
9. Member, Ad hoc Committee for establishment of music department in
University of Ibadan (2008-2012).
10. Visiting organist, Methodist Cathedral Elekwo (2005 till date).
11. Visiting organist, CAC Agbala Itura (1994 till date).
12. Visiting organist, Anglican Church of Messiah Bodija (2009 till date.
13. Visiting organist SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary Choir (2000 till
date).
14. Visiting organist, Christ Chapel Church UCH (2003 till date).
15. Visiting organist, St. Paul's Church, Yemetu, Ibadan (2005-2006).
16. Voice trainer, Anglican Church of Messiah, Bodija (2005-2007).
17. Voice trainer, Christ Chapel UCH, Ibadan (2003-2004).
18. Patron, The International School, I.S.I. Choir (2007 till date).
19. Piano and violin lecturer, Ibadan Catholic School of Music (2010 till
date)



(vi) Dayo Oyedun as a Composer
His compositions got him closer to Professor Mrs. Mosunmola Omibiyi
Obidike, a Professor of Ethnomusicology at the Institute of African
Studies, University of Ibadan.
Dayo Oyedun composed operas such as "Juliana", "Pirate of Badagry" and
"The Moon and I". He also composed cantatas which are: "University
cantata", "Queens cantata", "The Palm Wine Cantata", "Golden Bells of
Parriel" and "Hospital cantata". His oratorios include "Iyin", "Obangiji".
His anthems include "Cathedral anthems". His symphony include "Symphony
Africanus". He also composed and arranged the "College of Medicine Anthems"
when he was a student there.
Altogether, this composer has composed not less down 600 works and he is
still composing till date.


DAYO OYEDUN AS A PERFORMER
He has performed as a music director, organist/pianist and part
leader. He directed the performance of "Marriage of Figaro" an opera by
Mozart, which was performed by the International School Ibadan (ISI) choir
on 11th and 12th December, 2006. He also founded a group called the UCH
Sinfonia Choir and Orchestra which use to perform most of his compositions.
The group performs in sacred and secular concerts, churches, ceremonies, in
special anniversaries and at special occasions.
Dayo Oyedun is does not only performed on the organ, he is also a
great pianist and an energetic music conductor.








































COMPOSITIONAL TECHNIQUES/STYLES
Cope (1977) observed that 20th century compositional techniques
include the use of chromaticism, pointillism, polytonality, internal
exploration, cluster, microtones, indeterminacy, musique concrete,
electronic, computer, minimization and decategorization.
Echezona (1966) identified Nigerian compositional techniques as
repetition, limitation, systematic modification of rhythm, shifted accent,
changing meters, non-accentual rhythm, asymmetric meter, asymmetric
division, ostinati, transposition and sequences, dual modulation,
polytonality, pan-diatonism, shifted tonality and polyphony. He concluded
that the element of inspiration is indispensable in composition processes.
This fact was confirmed by Kofie (1994) when he argued that the state of
mind of thinking habits of both the composer and the audience are necessary
to determine the nature of composition or style. These compositional
techniques and other ones such as repetition, improvisation and dialogue
are some common features used by the composer in his works.
The sources of songs mostly used by him are his original compositions
except for a few modifications of biblical texts, anthems or hymns/hymn
tunes especially those that he re-arranged and the ones he wrote descants
for. He received songs such as Iyin Oratorio from divine inspiration
(pathogenic source) though dreams, prayers and meditation on the bible,
while he received the secular works from life gathered experiences and
daily proceedings.
The sources of songs mostly used by him are his original compositions
except for a few modifications of biblical texts, anthems or hymns/hymn
tunes especially those that he re-arranged and the ones he wrote descants
for. He received songs such as Iyin Oratorio from divine inspiration
(pathogenic source) through dreams, prayers and meditation on the bible,
while he received the secular works from few folk songs, life gathered
experiences and daily proceedings.


CONTRIBUTION OF HIS WORKS TO THE SOCIETY
Dayo Oyedun's work has contributed a lot to the society. These
contributions have been divided into five sections.
(i) Musical Education
Through his efforts, several undergraduate medical students of the
University College Hospital (UCH) have been able to enjoy free musical
training in terms of voice and rudiments of musical notation, and they have
been able to participate in the Sinfonia Choir.
The Sinfonia also trains some students to play a few orchestra
instruments such as violin, viola, cello, clarinet, flute, trumpet and
trombone. He offers training to people also on voice and piano.
(ii) Employment Opportunities
Several employment opportunities have been opened to audio-visual
coverage workers, technicians, cleaners, costume/stage managers, studio
engineers, editors, transporters, tailors, carpenters, painters,
photocopying and computer operators, typists, instrumentalists and
photographers in the staging of his works. Halls are rented and programmes
are produced. All there serve as employment opportunities for those
involved. Sometimes, caterers are also engaged to produce light
entertainment for his audience and choir.
(iii) Public Orientation
His music most of the time serves as public orientation; it teaches
the public some social values and norms. For example, his song Tokunbo
teaches the negative effect of second hand product in our society i.e.
second hand clothes, vehicles, fridge etc. It exposes us to the fact that
some women can not do anything at home as a house wife. They are Tokunbo
wives. Omo Ogba is about campus experience, especially a female student and
her lecturer, Omo Oniresi is about how uneasy it is for students if a
lecture is too long and uninteresting; it pictures the students clamoring
to go on break for refreshments; American Visa exposes the eagerness of
Nigerian youths to travel abroad, while Sugar Daddy reveals how greedy men
go after young ladies on the street for sex in exchange of money. With
these, the audience are informed or reminded about the consequences of
their actions.
(iv) Promoting Art Music
The works of Dr. Dayo Oyedun promotes art music in our society. Most
youth prefer hip pop, blues, r and b, jazz, reggae, highlife, fuji, rock n
roll, funk and calypso music.
His music is tailored towards art mostly using Yoruba language. For
clarity purpose, he had composed Yoruba songs, English songs, Pidgin
English songs e.g Goddina Helle and Igbo-Uzigwe, (an acappella male song in
four Nigerian languages). This shows that he has interest in other Nigerian
languages as a multi-lingual composer.
His music promotes art music in our society through clear texts. The
importance of text in African music has been attested to by African
scholars. For instance, Akpabot (1998) acknowledge this fact when he
confirmed that in the African experience, the text of a song is more
important than the tune.
There is need to pay attention to the literary meaning and thematic
interpretation of this composer, as they help in national building. Hence
this is why he communicates to the audience in their mother tongues. A
participant of 2012 Africa Sings organised by the Department of Creative
Arts, Faculty of Art, University of Lagos, directed by Dr Albert Oikelome
who was so much impressed by the text of Tunkun (one of Oyedun's choral
works) performed during (Africa Sings 2012) concert, seeing an indigenous
music in a standard western form, well presentable, entertaining and
educative.
This he is doing affirming the opinion of Olusoji in the Antor's note of
one of his books
"…My intention is to bring the music out of the dancing halls, clubs,
hotels and village squares to the concert halls as art music."


CONCLUSION
Twentieth century art music composers are scattered all over Nigeria,
even Africa at large; researchers should keep discovering them, studying
their works, performing them for demonstration concerts and, document them
for posterity purposes. No doubt, this would be a way of appreciating and
preserving our cultural heritage.




REFERENCES


Encarta, (2009) African Music Encyclopedia (An Electronic Data), Microsoft
Corporation.
Euba, Akin (1965) 'Preface to the Study of Nigerian Music, in Ibadan, No.
21.
Euba, Akin (1977) 'An Introduction to Music in Nigeria' Nigeria Music
Review 1 (1), 1-38.
Oikelome A. O. (2005) Let's Teach You to Sing, Lagos, Admot-Mega
Olusoji O. (2010) Nigerian Dances For Piano, Lagos, Right-Time Services Ltd
Omojola, Bode (1995) Nigerian Art Music, IFRA, Ibadan
Machlis et al (1991) The Enjoyment of Music, London; W. W. Norton &
Company.

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DR. DAYO OYEDUN PLAYNG THE ORGAN