The purpose of this critical essay is two-fold. First, the essay presents a detailed critical analysis of my original composition, Blueline Concerto for bass trombone and wind ensemble. Second, using Blueline Concerto, the essay presents preliminary findings of my study to develop an approach to composing that takes into account the musicians' health, specifically regarding noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Through various hypothesized composition- and orchestral-based approaches, I test effectiveness on changes in NIHL risk while also noting that artistic merit and compositional integrity is preserved.

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This monograph explores the integration of improvisation and orchestral music. It consists of two closely related large-scale compositions, Amphion and Zethos, and an accompanying essay. Amphion, for orchestra, is in three movements and includes frequent references to styles and genres of the Baroque era, specifically the French dance suite. Zethos, for five improvisers and chamber orchestra, includes the three movements of Amphion, in toto, plus five additional concertato sections with improvisation. These sections have multiple player configurations and were composed for specific players with distinct improvisational skills. These sections also fulfill specific functions in relation to the three fully notated movements of Amphion: as introductions, codas, transitions, and development. The accompanying essay considers issues relevant to Amphion's and Zethos's rehearsal and performance, and examines their form and melodic/harmonic language. It also discusses the historical precedent and aesthetic rationale for improvisation in orchestral music, and the notation of improvisation in Zethos. / Music Composition / Accompanied by two .pdf scores: 1) Amphion.pdf. 2) Zethos.pdf.

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This dissertation explores the breadth of underperformed early bassoon concertos available to the 21-century bassoonist. This is done through a survey of three bassoon concertos from the late 18th century: Concerto in C Major by Antonin Reichenauer, Concerto in B-flat Major by J.C. Röllig, and Concerto in B-flat Major by Capel Bond. The dissertation includes the analysis of the ritornello form, the interaction between tutti and solo, and pedagogical implications for early bassoon concertos.