Hermes, a Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra

This thesis consists of a large composition for violoncello and orchestra, together with an analytical paper in which I discuss my compositional techniques and some of their historical antecedents. The composition draws on the genres of imaginary musical theater, the symphonic poem, and the concerto. It was also inspired by the story of Hermes, the messenger god from Greek mythology. While the myth partially informs the compositional structure, the work is ultimately meant to showcase the versatility of the cello, the coloristic range of the orchestra (in some cases emulating the orchestral styles of previous composers), the balance of cello and orchestra together, and the eclectic invocation of many compositional techniques separately and simultaneously. These techniques encompass set theory (the use of unordered pitch collections), polytonality, and serialism. It is composed in a post-romantic style.

A graduate piano accompanying recital

The extended program notes include historical background on the composers and pieces being performed, as well as the analytical form regarding the works. Chapter One includes Piano and Violin Sonata in B flat Major, K 454 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Opus 28 by Camille Saint-Saens, Nocturne by Aaron Copland, Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Opus 22 by Henryk Wieniawski. Chapter Two includes selected songs from Die Schone Mullerin D. 759 by Franz Schubert, La Regata Veneziana by Gioacchino Rossini, selected songs by Henri Duparc, Cowboy Songs by Libby Larsen, Poema enforma de canciones by Joaquin Turina.

Violoncello recital

Program: Passacaglia for Violin and Cello ........... Johan Halvorsen (1864-1935) Cello Concerto in E minor Op. 85 .............. Edward Elgar (1857-1934) Sonata for Cello and Piano Op. 38 .......... Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

A graduate viola recital with extended program notes

The extended program notes include historical facts of the composers and characteristics of the pieces being performed. The graduate viola recital will include the following works: Concerto in D-Major by Franz Anton Hoffmeister, Suite No. I in G-Major by Johann Sebastian Bach, and Sonata in A-Minor (Arpeggione) by Franz Schubert.