Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Event Horizon, Samuel Joshua

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Event Horizon depicts a spectacular and somewhat violent cosmic light display. This piece uses compositional techniques championed by composers such as Igor Stravinsky and Paul Hindemith. These techniques include use of linear tonality, limited pitch collections, split thirds and non-functional triads, contrasting sections of tension and repose, chromatic consonance, and directional lines that move toward prepared pitches. Such techniques make it possible to maintain a relatively tonal language while not relying heavily on traditional harmonic progression. Event Horizon is written for full orchestra, including one piccolo, two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, …