AbstractsPhilosophy & Theology

Ground to Dust for wind ensemble was conceived based on a visual diagram of shapes on an XY axis, with x representing time and y representing frequency. The intention behind this was to create a piece that would be fundamentally based on a wide variety of gestural and textural concepts, and that would be an extension of the electroacoustic music that I've composed while studying at BGSU. The piece exhibits varying degrees of tension and activity as it moves inevitably towards collapse; the rapid progression of global climate change and its eventual consequences for our planet were an inspiration for the form and tone of the piece. The performers are asked to employ a number of extended techniques, including breathing through their instruments without producing tone, as well as a number of percussive techniques in order to enrich and expand the sonic palette of the piece.The work is inspired in part by contemporary wind ensemble repertoire, including Michael Colgrass' Winds of Nagual and John Corigliano's Circus Maximus. The works of Stravinsky, and the graphical animation of Sacre du Printemps created by Stephen Malinowski, had a large influence on the piece as well. Other sources of inspiration include the electroacoustic music of Jonty Harrison, and the percussion works of John Luther Adams. Advisors/Committee Members: Dietz, Christopher (Advisor).