An Analytical Study of Essilfie’s ‘Mɔbɔ Me Nsanku Daa’ (I Will Forever Play My Harp)

Art music analysis received great attention over the two decades among scholars in theory and compositions as well as other cognate disciplines. The main focus has been how to increase the paucity of literature in art music analytical studies as well as other paradigms and bents for music analysis. It is also worth noting that, the volume of choral art music in Ghana has grown extensively, unravelling various styles of prolific and ardent composers which are worth documenting for posterity. One of the works which have so many artistic elements but which have not received attention is Mɔbɔ me Nsanku daa’ (I will forever play my harp), an art music choral composition by George Mensah Essilfie.. Using formal analysis and purposive sampling technique the paper examines some elements and devices that were employed in the composition. It was found out that techniques such as persistent fragmentation of thematic materials, homorhythmic accompaniment against intricate rhythmic decorations, shifted accents, synthesis of speech and song melody, and an introduction of delayed scoop, melodic clash and thematic speech melody, and many other systems, are all substantial features which were used in the creative work to characterize its artistic nature. It is envisaged that such techniques are crucial for use in the academic setting and musical analysis scholarship in general.