Date of Award
8-2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Music
First Advisor
John E. Stamp, Jr., DMA
Second Advisor
Carl Rahkonen, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Jason Worzbyt, DMA
Abstract
Steven Bryant is one of the truly gifted composers of his generation. This thesis is a comparative analysis of four of his works for band. Written over a fifteen year period, Chester Leaps In, MetaMarch, ImPercynations, and Suite Dreams make up a “Parody Suite” of four unrelated works humorously characterizing staples of the wind band repertoire. The works selected for this thesis, ImPercynations and Suite Dreams, are based on Percy Grainger’s Lincolnshire Posy and Gustav Holst’s First Suite in Eb. True of both works, the listener and performer must gain an understanding of the source material to truly appreciate Bryant’s manipulation of thematic material and rhythm. Dusk is a tone poem belonging to a set of three loosely related works making up a “Night Cycle.” This elegant work musically depicts the tranquility in the last moments of daylight before the onset of complete darkness. Using a straight forward arch form, the simple yet effective work is a beautiful piece of program music. The Concerto for Wind Ensemble is a contemporary work that draws from elements of popular and classical music. Composed for the USAF Band of Flight, the intent was to feature the virtuosity of the players in this group. Many contemporary and extended techniques are employed, including the use of antiphonal choirs as part of the aesthetic experience.
Recommended Citation
Wollam, Seth F., "Steven Bryant: An Analysis and Comparison of Works for Wind Band" (2011). Theses and Dissertations (All). 1053.
https://knowledge.library.iup.edu/etd/1053