Michael Daugherty has created his niche in the music world by composing works inspired by icons of American popular culture. Red Cape Tango is the final movement of his Metropolis Symphony, a work inspired by the life and times of the comic book character Superman. This movement in particular deals with the death of the superhero through the use of musical elements, most notably the Latin Sequence of the Mass for the Dead, Dies irae. Daugherty's ingenuity in blending profoundly dark subjects with humor is particularly evident in this work. Death is personified as a temptress and lures Superman through the power of a seductive tango. This study concentrates on Daugherty's compositional style and its impact in musical circles. A transcription for wind orchestra was created by another composer/conductor precisely because of the need to bring such an important work to another medium, thus making it accessible to a wider audience. In addition, this study looks at the changes in instrumentation necessary to create a second, equally formidable version of the work.

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Masters in Public Administration - MPA / There is a major urban housing crisis in South Africa expressing itself in the failure of the government to provide low-income housing to urban residents. Considering this crisis, the specific purpose of this study was to examine the challenges to effective distribution of low-income housing with specific reference to the Delft Symphony community, focussing on the epoch from the years 2000-2015. The study was motivated by the fact that while there is an abundance of research conducted in the Cape flats, research focusing on the Delft Symphony community (DS community) is scanty especially on low-income housing distribution. This research gap became the focus of this thesis. To understand the challenges to effective distribution of low-income housing, this study was grounded in two theories namely the theory of justice and the self-help housing theory.

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This thesis explores the subject of playing either a high or low horn in a symphony orchestra, looking at the roles, repertoire, and pedagogical methods connected with each. The purpose of the study is to shed light on the phenomenon of horn players categorizing themselves as either high or low horn players and to examine the debate between a balanced approach and specialization in horn playing. The study focuses on excerpts that are frequently used in auditions around the world and offers a thorough analysis of repertoire examples that are necessary for both high and low horn playing. A number of common exercises and studies are included in the examination of historical and modern teaching methods and approaches used in conservatories. Interviews with Björn Olsson and Benedikt Scholtes, two professional horn players and teachers, yield their perspectives on the subject, providing insightful information. The thesis acknowledges the individuality of each horn student and seeks to answer the question of whether categorizing oneself as a high or low horn player and concentrating solely on one register is wise or whether a balanced approach is preferable. In the current competitive orchestral employment landscape, the author discusses the potential advantages and disadvantages of such specialization. The study emphasizes the significance of versatility in horn playing and the need for a larger repertoire beyond the typical audition pieces. This thesis offers insightful information and viewpoints for horn players who are faced with questions and decisions regarding high and low horn playing by examining traditional high and low horn repertoire in addition to pertinent studies and exercises.

This dissertation introduces a methodic approach for constructing an architectural model of music, particularly when derived from connections between Beethoven’s renowned Ninth Symphony and New York’s celebrated Chrysler Building. Starting with a historical critique of non-systematic, or cursory surveys between the subjects of music and architecture, the author proceeds into a unique theory of art, which proposes that creative vehicles are inhabited by a kind of inspired genius. The study subsequently introduces sculpture as a “mediator” between our two main art-forms under discussion, and one that serves as an aid when embodying their associated concepts. The author then employs systematic terminology, or “spectrums” in parallel between these formal expressions, while simultaneously assembling the “Complex Array” for the mechanics of tonality in music. When applying this manner of analysis to William Van Alen’s Art Deco masterpiece and the famous romantic Symphony, a visual profile is lent to the catalog of music theory, alongside a harmonic interpretation of architecture, before concluding with how these artistic subjects are significantly distinguished from one another. / Music Theory

This author conducted a qualitative interview study of community orchestra musicians to better understand why they have sustained their music-making. The first chapter of this dissertation outlines the three research questions along with a rationale and author’s narrative. A problem statement along with a conceptual framework are also included within the first chapter. Three key areas of connected and relevant literature are identified and discussed in the second chapter of this proposal: 1) Socioeconomic Status (SES), parental involvement, efficacy, and attrition in formal school settings: Motivations of students to start learning an instrument and sustain that learning through high school; 2) Characteristics of members of community orchestras; and 3) Studies examining why adults sustain their music-making. The first dimension enables comparisons and contrasts between community orchestra members and school music students. The second and third domains offer a context for both the musicians' individual work and adult music-making in general. The third chapter is a description of the methods, research questions, and timeline of data collection. Data were gathered via a semi-structured interview and a PhotoVoice activity from 10 community orchestra musicians in the New York City area. A description of the pilot study is also included along with the findings. Additionally, the third chapter includes a detailed description of the PhotoVoice method. There were three main findings for each of the three research questions and those findings and the supporting themes/codes are described in chapter 4. The discussion chapter includes extensive thoughts on the implications of the findings. The concluding chapter summarizes the research, lays out plans for future research, and reflects on the study.

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