Abstract:
This work is a creative thesis which attempts to detail the thematic
inspiration and historical context which were integral in composing my suite, Two
Guys in a Lunatic Asylum. I have also included a comprehensive analysis of each
composition in the suite. In doing so, I hope to illuminate how the thematic
inspiration that I drew from the comic book The Killing joke led me to various
musical choices. Additionally, I have included the complete scores to the suite as
well as an audio recording. This is so musicians can look and hear for themselves
and understand precisely how I chose to realize my inspiration into music.