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A theoretical analysis of selected solo repertoire for saxophone by Paul Bonneau.

The primary purpose of this dissertation is to provide greater insight into the compositional design of Paul Bonneau's Caprice en forme de valse solo pour saxophone and the Piece Concertante Dans L'Esprit "Jazz" pour saxophone alto et piano through a detailed analysis of the pieces. Paul Bonneau's Caprice en forme de valse is a major work for saxophone. It has been referred to as one of the most technically demanding works in the classical saxophone repertoire. In addition, the Caprice has been transcribed for the flute, clarinet and bassoon. In fact, the Caprice has been designated as "one of the most musically cohesive unaccompanied works written for any wind instrument." Bonneau's Piece Concertante Dans L'Esprit "Jazz" is also an important work in the repertoire due to its high degree of virtuosity and unique fusion of traditional classical and jazz elements. The analysis process focuses initially on the fundamental elements of music. Each analysis begins with an outline and description of the formal design of the piece. Major sections and their various subdivisions are detailed specifically. The tonal organization of the piece is presented. Large scale tonal areas are identified along with detailed discussions pertaining to specific harmonic structures. Due to the nature of the harmonic content of the pieces, standard contemporary chord symbol nomenclature is used. A table detailing various chord types and their associated symbols is provided. Information regarding the character and construction of Bonneau's melodies is presented. Items pertaining to melody include the use of step progressions, the variation principle, canonic effects and sequence. Basic rhythmic characteristics are outlined, as well. In addition to items related to the harmonic, melodic and rhythmic organization of pitches, other aspects of the music such as texture, articulation, dynamics and tessitura are integrated into the analytical discussion. Specific comments regarding the application of analytical conclusions to performance practice are presented following the analysis of the pieces.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc3243
Date08 1900
CreatorsJohnson, Keith T.
ContributorsRiggs, James, Gillespie, James, Cho, Gene J.
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
FormatText
RightsPublic, Copyright, Johnson, Keith T., Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

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