Composition (Music)

The piece Conversations with Chaos by Adam Campbell is discussed from several different aspects. The work is analyzed in terms of non-musical sources, descriptive analysis, compositional techniques and formal and stylistic characteristics. Also included is a discussion on computer notation software, and musical influences of the composer.

The choral compositions of James M. Stayton, a neo-romantic impressionistic composer are showcased and the individual works are analyzed both descriptively and formally. Compositional influences and styles are discussed at length with inspiration coming from such composers as Brahms, Faure, Morten Lauridsen and Stuart Glazer. Texts range from Sacred scriptural and Mass Ordinary to poets such as Emily Dickinson, Sarah Teasdale, James Weldon Johnson and Christina Rosetti. The formal analyses include an in depth breakdown of individual sections of each piece as well as musical examples. Each formal analysis also includes a charted breakdown of the entire piece by measure, section and key center. The descriptive analyses explain vocal, and instrumental usage as it pertains to effect and the text. Each descriptive analysis also discusses the particular inspirations by which each piece was structured.

Three unaccompanied chamber pieces of Masakuni Okubo are discussed from several different aspects. They were composed for solo clarinet ( 72), two flutes (Seascapes), and solo violin. Each piece is analyzed in terms of its historical background, compositional techniques, and formal and stylistic characteristics.

On Monday August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Southeast Louisiana bringing with it destruction to much of the Gulf Coast. While New Orleans, one of America's most culturally and artistically significant cities, was spared a direct hit, the subsequent flood devastated much of the city, home to many musicians. The devastation and stress from the storm established a situation and a motivator for creative response, and this dissertation illustrates that the music these musicians produce is a manifestation and continuation of New Orleans' cultural atmosphere. The city's historical allowance and celebration of freedom of expression permits New Orleans' current musicians to be innovative and responsive to the events surrounding the disaster. This project, designed as a qualitative research study, identifies four professional musicians who are established in the musical environment of New Orleans. To illustrate the depth of tradition and experimentation that their music evokes, the music of post- Katrina New Orleans is given historical contextualization and set in comparison to music that was inspired by a past catastrophe, the 1927 flood. Through the holistic exploration of the present circumstances of these four musicians, it becomes clear that New Orleans remains a place that is extremely open to change and that experimental music flourishes at the same time that traditional jazz lives on through new performers, who walk in the footsteps of legends. From interviews conducted with these four individuals, as well as other on-site observations, the emotional, physical, and financial effects of Hurricane Katrina are identified and recorded.

Three original chamber pieces are discussed from numerous points of view. They were composed for string quartet (Escape and String quartet in Four Movements), and string quartet with flute (Forward Motion). Each piece is analyzed in terms of its historical background, compositional techniques, and formal and stylistic techniques. Each piece draws influences from different genres. Escape was influenced by minimalism and jazz and is based on the Locrian scale. Forward Motion is in a modified classical form (Sonata) but draws influences from modern music and employs much dissonance. String quartet in Four Movements combines elements of expressionism, minimalism and jazz. Each piece is discussed in regards to its musical characteristics and historical influences including scales, harmony, rhythmic structure and form.