Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 104). Available also in an electronic version.

For pieces that do not lend themselves to an analysis of form based completely on tonal harmony and thematic material, an analysis based on rhythm and meter can enrich the reading of a piece and prove to be a more successful endeavor for the analyst. This thesis will provide such a form analysis of Mother Earth: A Fanfare (2003) and Symphony No. 8 (2008) by David Maslanka, paying special attention to the rhythmic and metrical events in addition to shifts in theme, texture, and harmony. Chapter 1, “Introduction,” addresses information about the composer, the need for research, and challenges that the music poses to the analyst. Chapter 2, “Methodology,” outlines analytical techniques used in the study, which are largely based on a method of metrical dissonance categorization designed by Harald Krebs. Chapters 3 and 4, “Mother Earth: A Fanfare (2003)” and “Symphony No. 8 (2008),” provide a form analysis of the two pieces, focusing on the behavior of meter and rhythm in each work. Chapter 5 offers conclusions that draw together the two analyses and suggest avenues for further research.

Although David Maslanka is not a percussionist, his writing for marimba shows a solid appreciation of the idiomatic possibilities developed by recent innovations for the instrument. The marimba is included in at least eighteen of his major compositions, and in most of those it is featured prominently. Both Arcadia II: Concerto for Marimba and Percussion Ensemble and Concerto for Marimba and Band display the techniques and influences that have become characteristic of his compositional style. However, they express radically different approaches to composition due primarily to Maslanka's growth as a composer. Maslanka's traditional musical training, the clear influence of diverse composers, and his sensitivity to extra-musical influences such as geographic location have resulted in a very distinct musical style. His exemplary attention to detail and sound timbres give his works an individualized stamp. The evolution of motivic gestures is the most distinctive characteristic of Maslanka's compositional process. Maslanka freely incorporates forms and structural principles of the baroque and classical periods, but these principles are not applied in a strict sense. These factors combine to produce two works that are both unique and significant in the literature for marimba. They exhibit a sensitivity to sound timbres while maintaining a mature approach to melody, harmony, and rhythm acknowledging the traditions of earlier eras. This study examines compositional techniques, aspects of formal structure, tonality, melodic content, and marimba technique found in David Maslanka's Arcadia II: Concerto for Marimba and Percussion Ensemble (1982), and Concerto for Marimba and Band (1990). Transcripts of personal interviews provide valuable insights into Maslanka's approach to composition and other issues pertinent to the study of his compositions for marimba. Biographical information and an overview of his works that include marimba will serve as background material.

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This study presents an overview of the compositional style of David Maslanka and an analysis of his piece for wind band Unending Stream of Life. The sevenmovement work is based in part on the melody of the hymn tune “Lasst uns Erfreuen”, which is commonly known as “All Creatures of Our God and King.” David Maslanka has developed a unique compositional style that has been strongly influenced by the chorales of J.S. Bach and the writings of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung. Through the process of “active imagining” (Jung, 1964) Maslanka creates original works for wind band. The use of a hymn tune melody and short motives, both conventional and contemporary harmonic progressions, baroque and classical forms, tonal centricity, strong rhythmic drive, expanded instrumentation, and the theme of transformation are all essential to Maslanka’s compositional style. The study is intended to inform scholars and conductors about the: (1) melodic material, (2) harmony and tonality, (3) form, rhythm and tempo relations, (4) orchestration, and (5) unifying elements and musical nuances of David Maslanka’s Unending Stream of Life. / Introduction to the study -- Review of related literature -- Compositional style of David Maslanka -- History and analysis of the hymn tune Lasst uns erfreuen -- Background and analysis of Unending stream of life -- Summary and conclusions. / School of Music

The primary purpose of this study is to provide connections between a formal motivic analysis and the programmatic content of David Maslanka's three works for unaccompanied marimba: Variations on Lost Love (1977), My Lady White (1980), and A Solemn Music (2013). A comparison of the compositional process of each of these works is proposed through terms of Maslanka's use of depiction. Depiction is the action or result of representing through drawing, painting, or other art form, in this case, music. In each work for unaccompanied marimba, Maslanka uses this process of depiction in a unique way. The depictive mediums are categorized as evocative, representative, and introspective and these distinct approaches to depiction lead to three drastically different musical works. The different methods of depicting source materials are the distinguishing characteristics that separate these three works for solo marimba. This document includes a motivic analysis and comparisons of compositional devices used in these three works. A brief overview of Maslanka's life and works as well as a listing of all of his works that feature percussion instruments are also included.

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Master of Music / Department of Music / Frank C. Tracz / This document is comprised of research and analysis of the comprehensive examination of the graduate conducting recital of Luke D. Johnson. This recital was performed by the Lansing High School Wind Ensemble on February 24, 2008 at McCain Auditorium in Manhattan, KS, and again on February 25, 2008 at Lansing High School in Lansing, KS. The examined repertoire for these recitals includes Mother Earth by David Maslanka, English Folk Song Suite by Ralph Vaughn Williams, Symphony #1 In Memoriam Dresden – 1945 by Daniel Bukvich, and Concertino for Solo Clarinet with Band Accompaniment by Carl Maria Von Weber, OP. 26. This document contains theoretical and historical analysis and outlines the methods of planning and preparing a graduate conducting recital according to the Blocher/Miles and Tracz formats.