A descriptive analysis of Arthur Bird's Suite in D
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Andrea Elizabeth Brown (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- John Locke
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate Arthur Bird's (1856-1923) Suite in D for double wind quintet. This study presents a biographical sketch about the composer and a descriptive analysis of the Suite in D in order to bring attention to this turn of the twentieth-century American composer and the substantial number of works Bird created. Existing, accessible information focusing upon Arthur Bird and his music is limited. Therefore, it is important to provide conductors and performers with another resource as they study and perform the chamber wind works of Arthur Bird is important.
In conjunction with the written document, a lecture recital was presented in which the work was performed in its entirety. The performing ensemble included students from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Music. The lecture recital took place on Sunday, March 21, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the Organ Recital Hall.
The analysis process involved three aspects: the study of the musical score for Suite in D, evaluation of reference recordings, and researching of documents about the composer's life and music. After a brief introduction, the document presents a brief biographical sketch about Bird and his music as it pertains to the Suite in D including Bird's early years in Boston, Massachusetts, and his musical education in Europe. Also included in the study are descriptions of Bird's compositional output, criticism, personal and professional relationships, and activity later in life. The biographical section concludes with a description of the compositional origins and historical context of the Suite in D.
Following the biographical information is a descriptive analysis of the Suite in D examining aspects of formal organization, harmonic content, melody, and rhythmic vocabulary. Performance considerations of the Suite, as well as conclusions, complete the study. Due to the orchestrational craftsmanship, harmonic interest, and melodic content, Bird's music is considered to be meritorious among work by American and European art music composers during the turn of the twentieth century.
A descriptive analysis of Arthur Bird's Suite in D
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Created on 5/1/2010
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2010
- Keywords
- American, Bird Arthur, chamber music, composer, wind music
- Subjects
- Bird, Arthur $d 1856-1923.
- Chamber music $x Analysis, appreciation.
- Wind ensembles.
- Suites (Wind ensemble)
- Instrumental Ensembles.