abstract: Reverend Stormfield Goes to Heaven is an operetta in six scenes for seven vocalists and flute, clarinet, horn, percussion, piano, violin, cello, and double bass. The work’s approximate length is 40 minutes. The libretto is written by the composer and based on the short story by Mark Twain titled “Captain Stormfield Goes to Heaven.” The short story features the typical biting sarcasm of Mark Twain. The libretto combines part of the original text with alterations to satirize modern day Christianity and religious values in general. The story follows Reverend Stormfield as she arrives in Heaven and quickly learns that the locations and people she expected to see and meet are shockingly different. The journey takes her through comical scenarios and deeper philosophical dilemmas, and in the end she is left to confront her own disturbing past. The musical elements of the operetta include traditional and octatonic scales, twelve- tone rows and set theory based on the overriding intervallic relationship of the perfect fourth. The sets implemented as motivic ideas: 0-1-4-5, 0-1-6-7, and 0-2-5-7 are based on the perfect fourth and serve as the framework for many of the melodic ideas. The instruments provide an accompanimental role often incorporating melodic fragmentation and contrapuntal textures and techniques. Instrumental solos are featured prominently in arias and the instrumental interludes between scenes. / Dissertation/Thesis / Reverend Stormfield Recording: Scenes 1,3,4,6 / Doctoral Dissertation Music 2019

abstract: Para Mi Alma is a composition for chamber wind ensemble comprised of an Introduction, two dance movements, and a concluding movement featuring the full ensemble in a chorale-like finale. This piece follows the narrative of an abusive relationship, and the emotional rollercoaster that one experiences during the self extrication and consequential rebirth of identity. Para Mi Alma (For My Soul) is scored for chamber wind ensemble with the following instrumentation: piccolo/flute, Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon; soprano, tenor, and baritone saxophone; trumpet, trumpet/flugelhorn, horn in F, tenor and bass trombone; double bass, and three percussionists - marimba/congas, auxiliary percussion (wind chimes, suspended cymbal, triangle, bass drum, snare drum, double cowbell, tam-tam), and timpani/timbales. The duration of this work is approximately 11’00”. Each movement portrays a stage in the relationship, and the mental state of the person experiencing abuse. The Introduction begins with a piccolo solo and marimba accompaniment, and gradually builds to the full ensemble; this section of music illustrates the moment that relational ties to the transgressor are cut — a split second of clarity and space before the spiral of anxiety and overwhelming thoughts of self deprecation invade. Movement I is a salsa, representing the dance of two people entering into a relationship. The meter changes and hemiolas serve to upset the underlying groove and create rhythmic tension, while the surface of the music appears unscathed. Finally the dance is interrupted by an aggressive bass solo, which initiates the transition to Movement II. This transition serves to remind the listener of the Introduction, and the dissolution of the relationship; it is characterized by chaos and confused clusters of melodic lines and dissonant harmonies. Movement II is a tango, representative of the emotional extremes of heartbreak, anger, confusion, and shame. The conclusion of the Tango directly segues into Movement III, which features a short brass chorale before building to include the full ensemble. Movement III portrays the support system of family and friends, and personifies the collective effort that takes place in healing and growth. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Music 2019

This thesis consists of a portfolio of nine musical compositions with accompanying recordings and commentary. The works included range from solo chamber music to large ensemble and explore the notions of mimesis, memory, and borrowed materials in musical composition. The commentary begins by providing a framework and historical context to the portfolio and in particular explores mimesis as an æsthetic device across the centuries and art forms. Music for amateurs and multiple tempi are then presented as two sub facets within the main research before a detailed exploration of the various source materials ensues. The commentary examines different approaches taken to an eclectic mix of source materials including popular music, hymns and plainchant, and music from the classical canon. Questions raised by writing music with multiple tempi or for amateurs are addressed before a general conclusion examining approaches to melody, harmony, rhythm, and form, across the portfolio.

Thesis (M.M.)--Missouri State University, 2008. / "December 2008." Instrumentation: piccolo, flute 1 and 2, oboe 1 and 2, bassoon 1 and 2, clarinet 1, 2 and 3, bass clarinet, alto sax 1 and 2, tenor sax, baritone sax, trumpet 1, 2 and 3, horn 1, 2, 3, and 4, trombone 1 and 2, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, timpani, chimes, mallets, vibraphone, percussion 1, 2, and 3. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 58-59). Also available online.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:52:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 9863228 bytes, checksum: 4cdfbd78377e3f6087696a1ffe177bd1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-09-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / This work deals with the creation of Compositional Systems using the Theory of Intertextuality. It shows the hierarchic possibilities between systems, plannings, and works. Three systems were created, and from them, five plannings directed the creation of musical works of three compositions for diverse instrumental formations. These systems and their respective plannings focus on the manipulation of various intertexts, resulting in many degree of abstraction: from literal quotations of musical lines, up to a total disintegration of these intertexts, with complete abscence of their original characteristics. The procedures of intertextual manipulation were based upon the works of Harold Bloom and Joseph Straus, who defined revisionary ratios, which were interpreted and utilized on this dissertation. / Este trabalho trata da criação de sistemas composicionais, a partir das teorias da Intertextualidade. Foram mostradas as possibilidades hierárquicas entre sistemas, planejamentos e obras. Três sistemas foram definidos, e a partir dos mesmos, cinco planejamentos orientaram a criação de peças musicais para três grupos de formações instrumentais distintas. Esses sistemas e seus respectivos planejamentos focalizaram na manipulação de diversos intertextos, resultando em vários graus de abstração: desde a citação integral de linhas musicais, até a total desintegração dos intertextos, descaracterizando-os por completo. Os procedimentos de manipulação intertextual foram baseados nos trabalhos de Harold Bloom e Joseph Straus, que definiram as proporções revisionárias, as quais foram interpretadas e utilizadas no presente trabalho.

This dissertation for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition and Theory consists of a seventeen-minute work for two clarinetists and electronic media. A Negative of Knowledge is based on a secular song by the 15th-century Burgundian composer, Gilles Binchois. His song, titled Triste Plaisir, is at moments heavily abstracted but can be heard throughout the work in the pre-recorded, countertenor voice of Wee Kiat Chia. The piece was premiered by David Angelo and Shannon Leigh at Boston University’s Marsh Chapel on April 30, 2018.

Este trabalho investiga possíveis conexões entre a formação de uma identidade poética e fatores que, consciente ou inconscientemente, estimulam a imaginação sonora do compositor, incluindo: experiências culturais vividas, referências musicais, posicionamentos filosóficos. Fundamentado em minha experiência como instrumentista e compositor, concluo que esses fatores contribuem para as escolhas e para as negações e que a reincidência dessas escolhas, em uma trajetória artística, favorece o desenvolvimento de uma identidade poética. Neste estudo, identidade poética refere-­‐se a um conjunto de conteúdos e expressões de um compositor que reincidem durante sua trajetória, ou parte desta, a ponto de tornar sua arte identificável. Partituras e gravações de composições próprias são os fundamentos deste trabalho, servindo como experimentos e realizações artísticas que expressam minhas reflexões e meus interesses estéticos atuais. / This work investigates possible connections between the formation of a poetic identity and factors that, consciously or unconsciously, stimulate the sound imagination of the composer, including: cultural background, musical references, and philosophical stands. Based on my personal experience as performer and composer, I conclude that such factors contribute both to the choices and refusals and that the recurrence of those choices along one’s artistic career favors the development of a poetic identity. In this work, poetic identity refers to a composer’s set of contents and expressions which recur all along or partially along his career, so as to create an identity to his art, so as to make his art identifiable. Scores and recordings of my own compositions are the fundamentals of this work, serving both as experiments as well as artistic achievements which mirror my reflections and current aesthetic interests.

Este trabalho consiste em dois volumes, sendo o primeiro um memorial de composição e o segundo a partitura e gravação do Septeto - para cordas, piano e acordeom, peça que foi composta no segundo ano do curso de mestrado. O memorial inicia com breve comentário sobre o processo de composição e aspectos técnicos do Quinteto para cordas e piano, composição desenvolvida no curso de mestrado durante o primeiro ano e relevante para a posterior composição do Septeto. Relativo ao Septeto, são abordados o planejamento de sua da forma e conteúdo expressivo, seguido da descrição e comentários a respeito do processo de composição de cada movimento. O memorial passa então a uma seção mais analítica que tem como objetivo demonstrar recursos usados na busca de identidade expressiva de cada movimento e de unidade para o todo. Essa análise trata dos desafios e soluções referentes às conexões dos diversos materiais encontrados na música, dos critérios para a organização das alturas, da orquestração, do uso do ritmo e métrica, bem como das referências musicais que estimularam o processo criativo. Ao final é feita uma avaliação crítica do processo composicional e dos resultados alcançados. / The Septet for strings, piano and accordion was composed during the second year of my master’s course and consists of seven movements, with a total duration time of 53 minutes. The volume I of this paper will present and analyze the composition of the Septet and the volume II present the scoring and record of thenpiece. This paper starts with a brief commentary about the composition process and technical aspects of the Quintet for strings and piano, a piece created during my first year of the master’s course and relevant to the later composition of the Septet. Concerning the Septet, it will be addressed the planning of its form and its expressive content, followed by a description and commentary of each movement’s composition process. After that, this project will analyze the resources used in the pursue of the expressive identity of each movement and the pursue of a sense of unity for the whole piece. The analysis addresses the challenges and solutions found in the process of connecting the diverse nature of the different movements, as well as discuss the criteria used for determining the pitch structure, orchestration, use of rhythm and metrics, and musical references that stimulated the creative process. At the end, a critical evaluation of the compositional process and the achieved results will be made.

abstract: Tres Tangos para Duo de Contrabajos (Three Tangos for Double Bass Duet) is a three-movement set written by Andrés Martín and commissioned by Darren Cueva specifically for this document and accompanying performance project. This piece blends tango with Western art music in a style often referred to as “nuevo tango” (new tango) which was popularized by Astor Piazzolla. This research paper will serve as a performance aid for those wishing to present tango idioms on the double bass in addition to a more detailed guide to performing Tres Tangos by Martín. To give context to performers, this survey begins with a brief history of the tango and the life and stylistic developments of Astor Piazzolla. Various music and dance styles that contributed to early tango include, milonga, habanera, and tango andalúz. The resulting tango was popularized as a music and dance style in the early twentieth century. Astor Piazzolla brought the tango to the concert hall after studying composition with acclaimed professor Nadia Boulanger. His new tango style merged traditional tango, classical composition, and jazz music, which he was exposed to after his family moved from Argentina to New York. Tres Tangos was modeled after the style of Piazzolla. Characteristic articulation and improvised techniques are a fundamental aspect of the tango sound; a successful performance will depend on the musician’s ability to create these sounds. A detailed description of the most common elements is provided as well as suggestions for creating them on the double bass. Finally, I have compiled a specific performance guide for Tres Tangos. This guide includes rhythmic, articulation, fingering, and notational considerations, to assist in the performance of this piece. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Music 2018

Este trabalho consiste em dois volumes, sendo o primeiro um memorial de composição e o segundo a partitura e gravação do Septeto - para cordas, piano e acordeom, peça que foi composta no segundo ano do curso de mestrado. O memorial inicia com breve comentário sobre o processo de composição e aspectos técnicos do Quinteto para cordas e piano, composição desenvolvida no curso de mestrado durante o primeiro ano e relevante para a posterior composição do Septeto. Relativo ao Septeto, são abordados o planejamento de sua da forma e conteúdo expressivo, seguido da descrição e comentários a respeito do processo de composição de cada movimento. O memorial passa então a uma seção mais analítica que tem como objetivo demonstrar recursos usados na busca de identidade expressiva de cada movimento e de unidade para o todo. Essa análise trata dos desafios e soluções referentes às conexões dos diversos materiais encontrados na música, dos critérios para a organização das alturas, da orquestração, do uso do ritmo e métrica, bem como das referências musicais que estimularam o processo criativo. Ao final é feita uma avaliação crítica do processo composicional e dos resultados alcançados. / The Septet for strings, piano and accordion was composed during the second year of my master’s course and consists of seven movements, with a total duration time of 53 minutes. The volume I of this paper will present and analyze the composition of the Septet and the volume II present the scoring and record of thenpiece. This paper starts with a brief commentary about the composition process and technical aspects of the Quintet for strings and piano, a piece created during my first year of the master’s course and relevant to the later composition of the Septet. Concerning the Septet, it will be addressed the planning of its form and its expressive content, followed by a description and commentary of each movement’s composition process. After that, this project will analyze the resources used in the pursue of the expressive identity of each movement and the pursue of a sense of unity for the whole piece. The analysis addresses the challenges and solutions found in the process of connecting the diverse nature of the different movements, as well as discuss the criteria used for determining the pitch structure, orchestration, use of rhythm and metrics, and musical references that stimulated the creative process. At the end, a critical evaluation of the compositional process and the achieved results will be made.