Essay for Orchestra
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Date
2009-09
Authors
Roberts, David Michael, 1983-
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Essay for Orchestra is a one-movement concert piece scored for full orchestra.
Since the definition of the genre "orchestral essay" is unclear, the composer has
considerable latitude while still claiming a connection to a musical tradition. I have used
the term "essay" to suggest a formal function. The piece is structured around the
interaction between three main themes, each of which is derived from the same basic
motivic material and corresponds to an element of a prose essay: an introduction; the
advancement of a main argument; and the statement and eventual refutation of a
counterargument. Each theme appears first in its own section and later in conjunction
with the others, the coda functioning as a confirmation of the primary idea and a
synthesis of all three. Harmonically, Essay for Orchestra is an attempt to blend the
languages of Prokofiev, Hindemith, Shostakovich, Schnittke, and in deference to the title,
Barber.
Description
1 score (viii, 83 p.). A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.