Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of North Texas, 2007. / System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Accompanied by 4 recitals on 1 compact disc, recorded Feb. 7, 2006, Mar. 1, 2006, Mar. 27, 2006, and Apr. 22, 2006. Includes bibliographical references (p. 146-150).

The three recitals consisted of performances of original eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth century solo works for trombone with the exception of Lyric Suite for Euphonium and Piano by Donald White, Divertimento for Trumpet, Trombone and Piano by Boris Blacher, and Dialogue and Dance for Trombone and Tuba by Newel Kay Brown. The premiere performance of Straight As An Arrow for B-flat-F Trombone and Prepared Tape by Ronn Cox and Dean Crocker was also included. After presenting a brief biography and discussing Gordon Jacob's (1895-1984) stylistic influences, the lecture continues with a Tonal, Motivic and Formal analysis of his three works for solo tenor trombone: Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra, Concertino for Trombone and Wind Orchestra, and the Trombone Sonata. Tonality, modality, polymodality and free association of pitches are elements that are present at one time or another in these compositions. Jacob's inclination for using the folk song style is evident in his writing, especially in the slow movements. Introductions, transition areas, and secondary themes, with tonally ambiguous harmonies and instrumental concepts of melodies, create a tension that is released by the return to tonality in the areas that follow. Treatment of rhythmic and melodic motives helps produce the special quality found in Gordon Jacob's compositions. Over half the themes in the works being investigated are built around motivic development. Neoclassicism results from the use of forms rooted in earlier centuries, but the choice of key centers gives these forms a new life. Jacob's composition of absolute music, as well as his use of the older compositional techniques of parallel harmonies and slow introductions, reflect neoclassical practices. The performance of Jacob's pieces is facilitated by his use of musical materials idiomatic to the instrument.

Despite being recognized as one of the most important compositions in the twentieth¬ century wind band repertoire, the William Byrd Suite presents many obstacles for the conductor and ensemble members. Since its initial publication in 1924, the piece has contained many discrepancies of pitch, articulation, rhythm, dynamics, and phrase completion that appear in the score as well as the parts. Although the work was reissued by Boosey & Hawkes in 1960 and 1991, many of the original errors remained intact. The sheer amount of inconsistencies causes great difficulties for the musicians involved in the rehearsal process, slowing efficiency and resulting in a frustrating impediment to a quality performance. The primary purpose of this study was the creation of a critical edition of Jacob's William Byrd Suite that eliminates errors of extant editions, incorporates modern instrumentation, and considers the source material. To accomplish this, the present project looks at all sources, including the autograph manuscript, orchestral version, published editions, and errata. The editorial process examines the governing philosophy, subsequent editorial decisions and indications, and the final organization of the parts. The study concludes with the inclusion of the full score of the new critical edition.