Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of North Texas, 2002. / Accompanied by 4 recitals, recorded Nov. 18, 1991, June 22, 1992, Aug. 7, 2000 and Apr. 22, 2002. Includes bibliographical references (p. 108-111).

The Latin Mass is a musical composition in five movements, scored for large choir, standard orchestra, and two soloists. The movements are the standard parts of the Roman Catholic Mass Ordinary. The language is set mainly in Latin with two exceptions: the Kyrie movement is set in Greek (which is the standard Roman Catholic setting), and the Credo is simultaneously recited in English and sung in Latin. The work is scored using conventional notation techniques and employs rather conservative technical demands on both the choir and orchestra. No extended techniques are required of any of the performers. It is set in a modal harmonic language.

The primary purpose of this dissertation is to provide greater insight into the compositional design of Paul Bonneau's Caprice en forme de valse solo pour saxophone and the Piece Concertante Dans L'Esprit "Jazz" pour saxophone alto et piano through a detailed analysis of the pieces. Paul Bonneau's Caprice en forme de valse is a major work for saxophone. It has been referred to as one of the most technically demanding works in the classical saxophone repertoire. In addition, the Caprice has been transcribed for the flute, clarinet and bassoon. In fact, the Caprice has been designated as "one of the most musically cohesive unaccompanied works written for any wind instrument." Bonneau's Piece Concertante Dans L'Esprit "Jazz" is also an important work in the repertoire due to its high degree of virtuosity and unique fusion of traditional classical and jazz elements. The analysis process focuses initially on the fundamental elements of music. Each analysis begins with an outline and description of the formal design of the piece. Major sections and their various subdivisions are detailed specifically. The tonal organization of the piece is presented. Large scale tonal areas are identified along with detailed discussions pertaining to specific harmonic structures. Due to the nature of the harmonic content of the pieces, standard contemporary chord symbol nomenclature is used. A table detailing various chord types and their associated symbols is provided. Information regarding the character and construction of Bonneau's melodies is presented. Items pertaining to melody include the use of step progressions, the variation principle, canonic effects and sequence. Basic rhythmic characteristics are outlined, as well. In addition to items related to the harmonic, melodic and rhythmic organization of pitches, other aspects of the music such as texture, articulation, dynamics and tessitura are integrated into the analytical discussion. Specific comments regarding the application of analytical conclusions to performance practice are presented following the analysis of the pieces.