The structure of the present work is clearly described in the foregoing definition. Consisting of fourteen movements of varying length, it is primarily a vocal work for soprano, tenor, and baritone soloists, mixed chorus and an orchestra of moderate size.

"Symphonic Overture" is constructed like a symphony in miniature with the traditional sonata-allegro form used as a vehicle to expose the three contrasting actions, and to combine them into one concise movement.

"Gethsemane to Calvary" is a sacred cantata for mixed voices and keyboard accompaniment. It is divided into six sections which are called parts. With the exception of part one which is a potpourri overture, the parts are divided into a variety of choral forms.

This thesis consists of the first movement and discussion of Symphony Number I, an original composition by Gerald Ray Haney.

The purpose of this composition is to demonstrate the creative stimuli offered a composer by The Schillinger System of Musical Composition. To illustrate this creative stimuli offered a composer, the writer has composed an extremely diverse, yet homogenous musical continuity from the elements contained in an eight measure theme. The sections of this composition are titled mutations, for though they are all inherently related to the theme, this relationship often appears fortuitous. The term variation usually implies structural alterations that are readily apparent.

Bay Psalmes-1640 is a large work in four movements for orchestra and chorus. The chorus employed is SATB but each of the four sections may be divided into firsts and seconds as required. The orchestra is a standard symphony orchestra consisting of woodwinds in threes, brass of four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, percussion including orchestral bells, timpani, snare drum, bass drum, triangle, cymbals and suspended cymbal. Special instruments include the harp and the celesta. The orchestra is completed by the usual complement of strings.

Nyiragongo is a composition for large orchestra. The title is taken from Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano in the Virunga Mountains of east central Africa. The composition is in one movement and the performance time is approximately eight to nine minutes.

The Variations on a Theme by Shostakovich is scored for an orchestra of 3 flutes, 3 oboes, 2 bassoons, contra-bassoon, 4 horns, 3 C trumpets, 3 trombones, harp, harpischord, piano, percussion and strings. The entire work is approximately 17 minutes in duration. The subject for the Variations comes from the Fifteenth Symphony of Shostakovich, last movement. There are many allusions to the writing of Shostakovich in terms of gesture, orchestration, and harmonic structure.

Synphony Number Two is a composition in four movements for symphonic band requiring approximately nineteen minutes for performance. An unusual feature of this symphony is the vertical juxtaposition of movements two and three. Movement three begins thirty seconds after the beginning of the second movement, and the two movements finish together. Each uses different sections of the band, and two conductors are required.

The orchestral interpolations in this melodrama are written to support and enhance the spoken parts rather than compete with them. The alternating music and speech result in an intricately woven pattern which presents, ultimately, one dramatic picture. While the fragmented quality of the production could present many problems to a composer, Benda has woven the dramatic and the musical aspects of the composition together so well that one does not detract from the other.