Music for flute by Ulysses Kay (1917-1995): a descriptive analysis with performance notes for three selected works

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
La-tika Shanee' Douthit (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Deborah Egekvist

Abstract: Ulysses Simpson Kay (1917-1995) was an African American composer, conductor, and professor. His compositional output contains more than 135 works that have been performed, recorded, and have earned him several awards, fellowships, and commissions. This document includes a descriptive analysis of three works for flute by Ulysses Kay: Prelude for Unaccompanied Flute, Suite for Flute and Oboe, and Aulos for Solo Flute and Orchestra. The purpose of this study is to increase awareness of Kay's flute repertoire, to stimulate more frequent programming, to provide relevant historical information about these works and resolve discrepancies surrounding incorrect data. The discussion will provide flutists and teachers with a descriptive analysis that contains suggestions for performance practice. The procedures used closely examine the musical elements of tonality, pitch, rhythm, timbre, texture and form. This analysis will help flutists understand the historical context in which these works were written, and can assist in developing a clearer interpretation, yielding a more authentic performance. At the conclusion of each discussion, performance notes will provide a summary of technical challenges for the flutist, and recommendations for teachers to facilitate selecting appropriate repertoire for their students. This investigation also includes an interview conducted with renowned flutist John Solum, the commissioning artist of the Aulos. Solum worked closely with the composer and has performed all of Kay's works for flute. The interview serves as a source of historical information and performance practice interpretations as told by one of the last living flutists to have worked personally with the composer. As there is very little written material surrounding Kay's compositions for flute, this study will serve to augment the current research concerning African American composers of flute literature.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
Aulos for Solo Flute and Orchestra, Flute, Kay, Navy Band, Prelude for Unaccompanied Flute, Suite for Flute and Oboe
Subjects
Kay, Ulysses, $d 1917-1995. $t Prelude, $m flute
Kay, Ulysses, $d 1917-1995. $t Suites, $m flute, oboe
Kay, Ulysses, $d 1917-1995. $t Aulos
African American composers
Flute music $y 20th century $x Analysis, appreciation

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