This thesis, A Portfolio of Original Compositions, contains six musical compositions and an accompanying commentary presented for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music Composition at the University of Aberdeen in 2018. The focus of my research at the University is sacred choral music composition, though not exclusively; many instrumental works and secular choral and vocal works have contributed to the development of my compositional technique. The portfolio contains two large-form sacred works: the St Andrew's Mass, a setting of the mass ordinary for chorus and quartet, and Babylon, a 30-minute work for large choir and percussion on themes of journeying and solitude, excerpting texts from both sacred and American folk sources. This commentary will focus on these works, as they have been the focal point of my research at the University, with supplementary examples of techniques and ideas from the other shorter works in the portfolio. The individual chapters of the accompanying commentary will discuss various aspects of research-based composition found throughout the portfolio, with particular focus on my use of text, texture, and harmony. I will examine how these elements are used in the St Andrew's Mass and Babylon, whereas these two works comprise the bulk of my research. Additionally, I will discuss the contributions of influences from works by other composers of the past and present, as well as folk and traditional sources, to my compositional outlook and research.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 1973. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [255]-257). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center.

Thesis (M.M.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1966. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.