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A Performance Guide to David Kechley's "In the Dragon's Garden" with an Investigation of the Saxophone-Guitar Duo Genre

American composer David Kechley was profoundly impacted by a 1990 trip to the Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan. The composer describes the finely raked, small white stones in the midst of fifteen large rocks in the Japanese Zen garden as "planned randomness." Kechley's inaugural composition for saxophone-guitar duo, In the Dragon's Garden, reflects his experience at the Ryoan-ji Temple. The use of minimalistic compositional techniques without literal repetition in the work represents a departure from the first generation of Minimalist composers, such as LaMonte Young, Steve Reich, Phillip Glass, and John Adams. An analysis of minimalistic compositional elements, combined with an interview with the commissioning ensemble, the Ryoanji Duo, provides insights into the interpretation and preparation of this complex work. Furthermore, this document contains helpful information pertinent to the saxophone-guitar duo. Details on balance and amplification, orchestration, and collaboration with the composer will supply performers and composers with essential knowledge needed to participate in this growing musical medium.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1609135
Date12 1900
CreatorsPierce, Justin
ContributorsNestler, Eric M., DeRosa, Rich, Clardy, Mary Karen, Johnson, Thomas (Guitarist)
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Formatviii, 107 pages : music, illustrations, Text
RightsPublic, Pierce, Justin, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved.
RelationRecital: April 13, 2014, ark:/67531/metadc802221, Recital: April 3, 2015, ark:/67531/metadc1075299, Recital: April 26, 2013, not yet digitized

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