Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
5-2-2020
Year of Publication
2020
Degree Name
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
College
Fine Arts
Department/School/Program
Music
First Advisor
Dr. John Cody Birdwell
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to present a conductor’s analysis and performance perspectives of The Automatic Earth, composed by Steven Bryant for the Arizona State University Wind Orchestra, and premiered by its conductor, Professor Gary Hill, at the 2019 College Band Director’s National Association National Conference. Through the conductor’s analysis and performance perspectives, the author seeks to provide future conductors and performers with necessary musical interpretations and technical guidance. The four-part process of research includes: 1. detailed analysis of the musical score of The Automatic Earth, 2. observation of rehearsals and world premiere of the work, 3. in-depth interviews with composer Steven Bryant, conductor Gary Hill, and technical support personnel, and 4. personal insight from the author, specifically pertaining to a conductor’s first-time performance of electroacoustic music.
This study is not intended to be all-inclusive of the field of electroacoustic music, nor a complete history of electronic music. The scope of this study is intended to focus on this single work; however, an understanding of Bryant’s previous works, most notably those in the electroacoustic wind band idiom, will provide a frame for consideration in the research. Through traditional means of musical analyses in melody, harmony, structure, and other common elements, the research will communicate necessary musical interpretations for future performances of the work. Technical guidance will aid future programming for conductors, as well as encourage advancement of the electroacoustic idiom in music composed for wind band.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2020.226
Recommended Citation
Bonds, Corey S., "STEVEN BRYANT’S THE AUTOMATIC EARTH: A CONDUCTOR’S ANALYSIS AND PERFORMANCE PERSPECTIVES" (2020). Theses and Dissertations--Music. 160.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/music_etds/160
