Composition Commons^™

Creating And Performing A Composition For Tuba And Piano, Joel A. Ragona

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this creative thesis, I compose and perform a six movement art composition for tuba and piano. The reason for this performance and composition is two-fold. First, I am able to express myself in a way that other methods do not allow. Second, I reinforce important skills that will be vital in my future teaching career. To create the composition, I use various compositional methods, but I mainly adjust the composition by listening to it using piano and online compositional software. Preparing the composition for performance requires that I practice for multiple hours and find an accompanist who will perform …

Style Characteristics Of Four Sibelius Art Songs, Julie Anne Eygabroad

All Master's Theses

This paper concerns the vocal music of Jean Sibelius and presents an investigation of the style characteristics of four Sibelius and presents an investigation of the style characteristics of four Sibelius art songs: Svarta rosor, Flickan kom ifran sin alskings mote, Im Feld ein Madchen singt, and Kom nu hit, dod! Although the composer is known primarly for his symphonic achievements, his vocal works make an important contribution to his total output. They reflect his Finnish heritage, his nationalistic interests, and his highly personal style. At its best, his vocal writing has an austere strength and simplicity that also finds …

Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gesellen: Characteristics Of Style, Janet Louise Hammack

All Master's Theses

This paper considers the life, the character and the compositional styles of Gustav Mahler, especially as they relate to the song cycle Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen. The four songs which comprise the cycle are discussed from the aspects of melody, meter and rhythm, harmony and tonality, texture, form and accompaniment.

Prelude And Dance, Steven Carl Rodli

All Master's Theses

This thesis presents an original composition for string orchestra with a covering paper. The purpose of the thesis is to reveal an understanding of the instrumental techniques and textures of the string orchestra and the compositional techniques required to write music in the modern idiom. The covering paper presents a study of the techniques and tonal colors of the string orchestra and a detailed analysis of the composition with respect to its form and musical elements, fulfilling the stated purpose of the thesis.

Dvorak's Biblical Songs, Garry A. Potts

All Master's Theses

This study is an examination of the styles found in the Biblical Songs by Antonin Dvorak, a leading Bohemian composer of the nineteenth century. They cycle, originally set in Czech to the Bohemian Book of Psalms, may, with some notation changes, also be sung in German or English.

Dvorak's composition attempts to achieve a balance between the smooth, flowing vocal line and a rhythmically challenging accompaniment. A study of this cycle is rewarding for the singer.

Musical Realism Of Modest Mussorgsky In The Songs And Dances Of Death, Lynn A. Howard

All Master's Theses

This investigation proposes that the Russian composer, Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881), was one of the foremost masters of musical realism. The song cycle, The Songs and Dances of Death, is presented as an outstanding and representative example of the creative efforts of the composer. It is analyzed from the standpoint of prosody, tonality, melody, and harmony.

In order to aid in comprehension, the first portion of the paper deals with the Russian environment and the development of the ideals of Mussorgsky.

The Art Song, Nebbie By Ottorino Respighi, James M. Scott

All Master's Theses

Introduction: Ottorino Respighi is probably known more widely for his instrumental compositions than other media. Although his art song production was not prolific, some songs, such as Nebbie, will undoubtedly be retained in the vocal repertory.

Dichterliebe: A Partnership In Irony, Gary L. Bankes

All Master's Theses

The paper discusses the irony of love as expressed in the Dichterliebe song cycle of Robert Schumann on the poems of Heinrich Heine.

Schumann's relationship to the Romantic era is discussed, as well as the basic musical style of the work. The irony inherent in five of the songs exposed, as are the musical techniques and devices through which Schumann expresses it musically.

The Dichterliebe is shown to be a partnership, where the words and the music benefit and compliment each other.

Michelangelo Songs: Characteristics Of Style And Interpretation, Dennis David Daigler

All Master's Theses

This paper presents an analysis of the style characteristics found in the songs of Hugo Wolf, a great composer of German Lied. His style was greatly influenced by Wagner's harmonic and vocal practices. Wolf continued earlier composers' concerns with the proper expression of poetry through music.

An interpretation of the Michelangelo Songs shows Wolf's attempts to achieve balance between the voice and piano. A study of them is rewarding for a singer.

Compositional Techniques Of Alexei Haieff's Saints' Wheel: Piano Variations On A Circle Of Fifths, Candida Labrecque

All Master's Theses

This covering paper presents a study of Alexei Haieff's Saints' Wheel, a piano variation on the circle of fifths.

Numerous compositional techniques used by the composer were identified in their contemporary context. The use of tonality was studied with reference to Haieff's oriental background. His identification as a neo-classicist was verified and his distinctive contributions to that community explored.

A synthesis of the study resulted in an evaluation of the composer's use of the circle of fifths.

Structural Developments Of The Violin And Bow As They Affected Violin Playing Technique From 1775 To 1850, Robert Donn Anderson

All Master's Theses

This paper represents a study of the alterations that were made in the structure and design of the violin and bow during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. These alterations were the result of the increasingly more difficult technical demands that were placed on the violinists of the late eighteenth century by composers of that period. Once the violin and bow had been restructured to meet those demands, many new violin playing techniques were introduced.

Recommendations included additional research.

"The Columbia River Suite" An Original Composition For Orchestra, Glenn Theodore Kelly

All Master's Theses

"The Columbia River Suite" is a five movement composition relating the river's physical and geographical qualities to man's struggle for purpose in life. Program notes accompanying the composition aid in simulating desired interest and understanding.

The covering paper presents helpful materials as definitions of terms used and brief histories of: the symphony orchestra, the orchestral suite, the cyclical principle and programmatic music. Also a brief analysis presents representative excerpts of compositional devices utilized to bind the movement together.

The Structure Of Paul Creston's Narrative No. 2, Op. 79 No. 2 For Piano, Myrna Evelyn Johnson

All Master's Theses

This paper presents an analytical discussion of the structure of Paul Creston's Narrative No. 2. An explanation of Mr. Creston's approach to composition is followed by a general description of the free-sectional form. Next, each section is investigated separately according to its rhythm, harmony, and melody. However, at the same time relationships between the sections are mentioned also. Some characteristics of Mr. Creston's style which are revealed in this study are his use of various rhythmic structures, pantonality, the lydian mode, and tangential variation.

Elements Of Preparation Requisite For Performance Of The Brahms Cycle, Vier Ernste Gesange, Opus 121, Donald L. Ricks

All Master's Theses

This paper examines the text, the harmonic, tonal, melodic and stylistic characteristics of the cycle Vier ernst Gesange, op. 121 by Johanne Brahms as they relate to preparation for authoritative interpretation in formal concert performance. The study includes reference to particular events in the composer's life which directly influenced his decision to compose this final vocal work. In addition specific problems to be met in vocal technique, interpretative insight and German diction are discussed.

The Transcription Of Paul Creston's Rhythmicon For Guitar, Geary Scott Thompson

All Master's Theses

Utilizing the music of the contemporary American composer, Paul Creston, the purpose of this study was to compare the idiomatic differences and technical capabilities of the piano and the guitar. This study of the transcription process, and the problems that arise in adapting piano literature to the guitar, has had binary results: a challenging collection of rhythmic studies, for the guitarist, as well as possible additions to his concert repertoire.

It was recommended that the initial guitar fingering of each piece be indicated; and phrase markings should be added where possible.

Rondo And Variations For Brass Ensemble, John Ernest Ward

All Master's Theses

This paper presents an original musical composition, in a contemporary style, written specifically for the modern brass ensemble. In addition to its purely aesthetic value, the piece may serve as an educational tool, to be used in developing the brass ensemble at the high school and college levels.

The covering paper includes a history of the family of brass instruments and an analysis of the composition. Research supports the argument that the bass ensemble is a viable, musical medium.

The Transcription Of Piece Heroique For Wind-Band, Douglas Frazier Cairns

All Master's Theses

Wind ensemble performers have had to rely on transcribed music for their repertoire since the earliest days of the eleventh century. The situation showed little change through the nineteenth century as composers of the stature of Cesar A. Franck continued to demonstrate their disregard for the medium. However, the advent of the public school band has provided the economic stimulus necessary to attract the efforts of major modern composers. Though this trend satisfies the need for contemporary wind-band music, transcriptions continue to serve as a major means of teaching music history. The transcription of Piece Heroique for wind-band provides an …

Prokofieff's Second Piano Sonata Transcribed For Sring Quartet, Robert Carter Lodge

All Master's Theses

The primary purpose of the transcription is to contribute new and fresh material to the ever expanding body of string quartet literature. A new work by a composer of Prokofieff's stature will be a creditable addition to the chamber music repertoire. The purpose of the accompanying text is threefold: (1) to give a brief history of Serge Prokofieff, (2) to give a brief history of the string quartet, and (3) to examine the methods chosen by the writer to transcribe the sonata tor string quartet.

Characteristics Of Style In The Song Cycle Don Quichotte À DulcinéE, Bruce Gyger Dodge

All Master's Theses

As Don Quichotte à Dulcinée is representative of contemporary vocal literature, an investigation into its style characteristics would seem to have value. Through the performance of the song cycle this writer has come to appreciate and recognize that an understanding of French and the style characteristics of this composer are necessary for an artistic rendition.

Outlines: An Original Composition For Concert Band, Bruce Albert Stephenson Hunter

All Master's Theses

If one attempted to study the history of jazz through the study of music playable by and available to the average high school band, he might conclude that jazz was a frivolous medium which died in the late 1940's. Outlines was composed in the hope that future high school musicians will develop a more balanced view of music trends in the last half of the century.

An Original Composition For Band “Suite For Band”, Bill R. Love

All Master's Theses

The writer's contemporary work seeks to contribute to the growing repertoire of original band music. The technique, range, intonation, and rhythm problems of average high school musicians are taken into special consideration. It could easily serve as an introductory piece to performers unfamiliar with the contemporary idiom. Although performance difficulties are kept to a minimum, "Suite for Band" should prove musically challenging and worthwhile to both high school and college bands.

An Analytical Study Of The Holy Sonnets Of John Donne By Benjamin Britten, Richard Arthur Ruth Jr.

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to show some of the techniques used in the melody, rhythm and harmony Benjamin Britten used in setting The Holy Sonnets of John Donne. This study also shows the ways in which these techniques serve to bring out the full meaning of the text.

A Brief History Of The Sonata With An Analysis And Comparison Of A Brahms’ And Hindemith’S Clarinet Sonata, Kenneth T. Aoki

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study to: (1) trace a brief history of the sonata up to the Classical period; and (2) analyze and compare Brahms' Sonata (E-flat major) for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 120, No. 2 to that of Hindemith's Sonate for Clarinet and Piano.

Beethoven’S An Die Ferne Geliebte, Paul R. Piersall

All Master's Theses

Beethoven has often been accused of writing vocal music which exceeds some normal limitations of the voice. Such unfortunate accusations result in many singers avoiding his vocal music. Through means of historical evidence presented in this paper, through an examination of An die ferne Geliebte and its performance, the writer hopes to dispel some of this misunderstanding of Beethoven's vocal music.

An Original Composition For Chorus Missa Brevis, Robert Austin Barbey

All Master's Theses

In the composition of this Mass the composer was faced with several alternatives in the selection of a suitable musical style. These choices were narrowed to include (1) "traditional" or "romantic"; (2) "pop"; or "jazz"; (3) "folk-mass"; or (4) avant garde. The ultimate choice was a synthesis, consisting of devices from fourteenth century music, and elements of contemporary style.

An Analysis Of The Styles Of C. Saint-Saëns And W. A. Mozart With Emphasis On Their Clarinet Compositions, Gerald Kenneth Steele

All Master's Theses

This paper has represented an effort by the writer to learn something about two major clarinet compositions and about their composers, and to provide for the readers of this paper a means of better understanding Wolfgang Mozart and Camille Saint-Saëns and their clarinet compositions. The study of these compositions has been in connection with the preparation for their performance in a Graduate Recital by the writer. The two composers studied in this project represent two periods of music history, two different styles of composition and two different personalities.

Motival Structure Of Susannah, A Music Drama By Carlisle Floyd, Sue Ellen Mcmurray

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was (1) to locate and identify the various musical motives within the opera Susannah; (2) to point out the significance of each motive; (3) to examine the transformations of each motive; and (4) to demonstrate how the motive structure relates to both the visible series of events and to the psychological progress of the opera.

An Original Composition For Brass Choir, Kenneth John Kraintz

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this composition, "Suite For Brass Choir", is to make a contribution to the growing amount of literature for brass choir. It is composed in contemporary style with the expressed wish to further the musical thought and understanding of brass choir members.

Vision An Oratorio, John Tuckness Bonney

All Master's Theses

Vision is an oratorio written for mixed chorus and soli accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The text is from the book Doctrine and Covenants, section seventy-six, paragraphs one and two, as printed by the official publishing organization of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

J. S. Bach's Use Of Vocal Ornamentation, John A. Melrose

Graduate Student Research Papers

In view of some misconceptions concerning the reading of these ornamental symbols, a study of how to interpret them accurately seems of value. Stenographic signs of later periods are superficially similar to Baroque ornaments and are frequently used mistakenly in performing music of the Baroque. Bach's embellishments should obviously be treated according to Baroque practice.