Academic literature on the topic 'Woodwind chamber music'

The phenomenon of the formation of the woodwind instrument art in China of the 20th century is due to the unique synthesis of Western European traditions and the experience of playing traditional national wind instruments. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that the growth of professionalism among musicians-performers stimulates composer creativity, producing the development by Chinese composers of the styles and genres of Western European music. In turn, the combination of styles and genres of academic art with intonation and expressive means of national Chinese music creates new, interesting examples of musical compositions by contemporary Chinese composers, worthy of a separate in-depth study. The purpose of the article is to consider the prerequisites, features of the formation of the performing art of woodwind instruments in China, as well as identifying possible prospects for its development. The leading approach to the study of the problem is a comparative approach in assessing the development of the art of playing woodwind instruments in China and in Western Europe and America. A close relationship between performing, composing and musical education is revealed. It is proved that the development of performing arts should be aimed at enhancing the ensemble qualities of musicians, which is due to the priority of the chamber-instrumental genres in modern concert practice. The significance of the article, both in theoretical and practical terms, is due to the fact that its results can be used as elements of a methodological base for further research on the issues identified.

Background. In recent scholar resources musicologists actively study the problem of typology of chamber song cycle. The article cites analytical observations of M. Kolotylenko on works in this genre by R. Strauss (2014), of I. Leopa – on G. Mahler’s (2017), of N. Vlasova – on A. Schoenberg’s (2007). It is stated, that unlike Austro-German phenomena of this kind have been studied to a certain degree, song cycle “Summer Nights” by H. Berlioz hasn’t received adequate research yet, although it is mentioned by N. Vlasova as on of the foremost experiences of this kind. It allows to regard the French author as a pioneer in tradition of chamber song cycle. The aim of given research is to reveal the essence of orchestration as a part of songs cycle’s artistic whole. In order to achieve it, semantical, compositionally-dramaturgical and intonational methods of research are used. Originally, “Summer Nights” were meant to be performed by a duo of voice and piano (1834). It was not until 1856 that composer orchestrated this cycle, similarly to the way G. Mahler and in several cases R. Strauss done it later. The foundation of cycle by H. Berlioz are six poems from a set by T. Gautier «La Comédie de la mort», published in 1838. In spite of having epic traits, this set is still an example of lyrical poesy, where subjective is being generalised, while chosen motive of death, according to L.Ginzburg, corresponds to existential essence of lyric (L. Ginzburg). French poet, prose writer, critic, author ow the poems set to music in “Summer Nights” by H. Berlioz – Théophile Gautier (1811–1872) – is one of the most enigmatic and singular figures in history of XIX century art. He was eclipsed by his contemporaries, although his creativity paved the way for upcoming symbolism, that incarnated in poetry of C. Baudelaire, and set “Émaux et Camées” became an aesthetic ideal for Parnassian School. A work by H. Berlioz on lyrics by T. Gautier consists of four songs: “Villanelle”, “Le Spectre de la Rose”, “Sur le lagunes”, “Absence”, “Au cimetiere. Clair de Lune” and “L`ile Inconnue”. It is founded on a plot of lyrical type, that is built according to the principle of appearing associations. Lyrical “I”, whose inner world is revealed during the cycle, provides logical congruity of the work. Each mélodie has its own spectrum of images, united by general lyrical plot. The first and last songs, grounding on a theme of nature, create thematic arch. The denouement of the plat falls on “L`ile Inconnue”, where hero’s conclusion about impossibility of everlasting love is proclaimed. The orchestra part is equal significance with the voice and intonated verbal text, simultaneously playing an important role in illuminating underlying meaning of the lyrics. H. Berlioz doesn’t tend to use supplementary woodwind instruments. Although, each instrument reveals its unique sonic and expressive possibilities, demonstrating its singular characteristics. Due to that an orchestra becomes differentiated, turning into a flexible living organism. Composer doesn’t use exceedingly large orchestra, moreover, each song has its unique set of performers. However, there are stable players: strings (including double basses), two flutes, 2 clarinets (in A and in B). Besides of that, H. Berlioz occasionally uses the timbre of solo oboe, bassoons, natural French horns in different keys, and in the second song he employs coloristic potential of the harp. From a standpoint of the semantics, the score is built according to the principle of the opposition between two spheres. The former one is attached to the motives of the nature and has pastoral mod. At the same time, it reveals idealistic expanse of dreams and vision, thus being above the existing realm. This sphere is represented by woodwinds and brass. The latter, on the contrary, places the hero in real time. It is a sphere of sensuality, of truly human, it also touches themes of fate and inevitable death. It is characteristic that this sphere is incarnated through string instruments. Although, the harp cannot be bracketed with either of the groups. This elusive timbre in instrumental palette is saved for “Le Spectre de la Rose” and creates unsubstantial image of a soul ascending to Heaven. H. Berlioz evades usage of mixed timbers in joining of different groups of the orchestra. Even when he does it, it has sporadic nature and provides emphasis on a particular motive. Orchestral tutti are almost non-existent. Composer uses concerto principle quite regularly as well. Additional attention must be drawn to psychologising of role of clarinet and semantisation of flute and bassoon. Clarinet becomes a doppelganger of lyrical “I” and, quite like a personality of a human, acquires ambivalent characteristics. Because of that, it interacts not only with its light group, but with low strings as well, thus demonstrating an ability to transformation of the image. Bassoon reflects the image of the death. This explains its rare usage as well as specific way of interaction with other instruments and groups. Flute is attached to the image of the nature, symbolises a white dove, that in a poetry of T. Gautier represents an image of beautiful maiden. Consequently, this allows to state that timbre of flute incarnates the image of lyrical hero’s love interest. The most significant instruments of string group are the low ones, accenting either the aura of dark colours or sensuality and passion. Neglecting the tradition requiring lyrical hero to be paired with a certain voice type, H. Berlioz in each mélodie uses different timbres, that suit coloristic incarnation of the miniature the most in the terms of tessiture and colour. A conclusion is made, that composer become a forefather of chamber song cycle of new type, with its special trait being equivalence of the voice and the orchestra, that allows them to create united multi-layered integrity

Yvonne Desportes (1907-1993) was an influential female composer, teacher, and music theorist. Her early success as a recipient of the Prix de Rome for composition (1932) marked the beginning of her distinguished career in music culminating in a 35-year professorship at the Paris Conservatory. Despite the relative obscurity of her music, Desportes was a prolific composer and published numerous works for clarinet quartet. This dissertation seeks to promote the clarinet music of Yvonne Desportes through a pedagogical examination of her clarinet quartets. The equitable parts and quality of Desportes' compositional style allow her clarinet quartets to be effective teaching tools for the development of fundamental clarinet skills relating to tone, technique, and musical style.

The purpose of this study is to present the biographical data and major accomplishments of craftsman François Louis (b. 1954, Belgium) and offer insight into Louis' creative process as evidenced by his technical theories and musical experiences, in hopes of providing exposure to academics, professionals, and laypersons alike. François Louis is a significant figure in the emerging history of woodwind musical instruments. Despite his late entry into a musical career, Louis quickly caught the attention of world-renown saxophonists with his immaculate and individualistic handmade saxophone mouthpieces. After nearly a decade of mouthpiece production, instrument repair, and saxophone performance, Louis developed a unique ligature and reed to compliment his mouthpieces' features. Louis' invention of the Aulochrome, a polyphonic chromatic double-bodied woodwind instrument, is an instrument of the new millennium. More recently, Louis further improved his ligature and designed a composite material for his hand-finished production mouthpiece, the Spectruoso. Extensive oral history was gathered in interviews with Louis and saxophonists Lovano, Ries, Cisi, and Théberge. Interview details are organized to highlight Louis' biography, inventions, and influence on other artists. Further, the unique capabilities of the Aulochrome are presented through an exploration of Lovano's approach for learning the Aulochrome, as well as a fingering diagram developed by the author.

The discussion dealt with stylistic influences, compositional techniques, and performance considerations of chamber music involving clarinet composed by Bohuslav Martinu and included a performance of three of his works: Quartet. for clarinet, horn, cello, and side drum, Madrigals for oboe, clarinet, and bassoon, and Sextet for flute, oboe, clarinet, two bassoons, and piano. The selections performed and discussed in the lecture show compositional growth of the composer through the three periods of his life in which he composed chamber music which included winds. These three time periods are 1923-40 during his residency in Paris, 1941-56 during his residency in the United States, and 1957 until his death in 1959 when he returned permanently to Europe.

abstract: Concerto for Piano and Chamber Orchestra was conceived in February of 2013, and conceptually it is my attempt to fuse personal expressions of jazz and classical music into one fully realized statement. It is a three movement work (fast, slow, fast) for 2 fl., 2 ob., 2 cl., bsn., 2 hrn., 2 tpt., tbn., pno., perc., str. (6,4,2,2,1). The work is approximately 27 minutes in duration. The first movement of the Concerto is written in a fluid sonata form. A fugato begins where the second theme would normally appear, and the second theme does not fully appear until near the end of the solo piano section. The result is that the second theme when finally revealed is so reminiscent of the history of jazz and classical synthesis that it does not sound completely new, and in fact is a return of something that was heard before, but only hinted at in this piece. The second movement is a kind of deconstructive set of variations, with a specific theme and harmonic pattern implied throughout the movement. However, the full theme is not disclosed until the final variation. The variations are interrupted by moments of pure rhythmic music, containing harmony made up of major chords with an added fourth, defying resolution, and dissolving each time back into a new variation. The third movement is in rondo form, using rhythmic and harmonic influences from jazz. The percussion plays a substantial role in this movement, acting as a counterpoint to the piano part throughout. This movement and the piece concludes with an extended coda, inspired indirectly by the simple complexities of an improvisational piano solo, building in complexity as the concerto draws to a close.<br>Dissertation/Thesis<br>D.M.A. Music 2013

abstract: The main objective of this research project is to expand the bassoon repertoire with the addition of three pieces. The first composition, Rust for bassoon and piano, was written by Christopher Marchant and is six minutes in duration; august, for woodwind quartet (flute, oboe, B-flat clarinet, and bassoon) was composed by Matthew Triplett and is four minutes in duration; the third composition, Rhapsody for woodwind quartet, was written by Conor Anderson and is six minutes in duration. The present document includes background information and a performance guide for each of the commissioned works. The performance guide provides recommendations and tips to aid musicians in preparing these works. This document also contains transcripts of interviews with each composer and performer. Finally, this document is accompanied by a recording of each piece.<br>Dissertation/Thesis<br>Christopher Marchant - Rust<br>Matthew Triplett - august, I. wake<br>Matthew Triplett - august, II. cicada breath<br>Conor Anderson - Rhapsody<br>Doctoral Dissertation Performance 2019

abstract: This project is a practical annotated bibliography of original works for oboe trio with the specific instrumentation of two oboes and English horn. Presenting descriptions of 116 readily available oboe trios, this project is intended to promote awareness, accessibility, and performance of compositions within this genre. The annotated bibliography focuses exclusively on original, published works for two oboes and English horn. Unpublished works, arrangements, works that are out of print and not available through interlibrary loan, or works that feature slightly altered instrumentation are not included. Entries in this annotated bibliography are listed alphabetically by the last name of the composer. Each entry includes the dates of the composer and a brief biography, followed by the title of the work, composition date, commission, and dedication of the piece. Also included are the names of publishers, the length of the entire piece in minutes and seconds, and an incipit of the first one to eight measures for each movement of the work. In addition to providing a comprehensive and detailed bibliography of oboe trios, this document traces the history of the oboe trio and includes biographical sketches of each composer cited, allowing readers to place the genre of oboe trios and each individual composition into its historical context. Four appendices at the end include a list of trios arranged alphabetically by composer's last name, chronologically by the date of composition, and by country of origin and a list of publications of Ludwig van Beethoven's oboe trios from the 1940s and earlier.<br>Dissertation/Thesis<br>Doctoral Dissertation Music 2014

This chapter focuses on Marga Richter's works during the 2000s, a period that saw her compose emotionally charged music. Since the year 2000, Richter has composed music of a more intimate nature, employing a simpler harmonic and melodic language but still embodying her distinctive voice. These works include several song cycles, some of a humorous nature, a variety of chamber music, a return to solo piano music, and two unaccompanied woodwind pieces (clarinet and oboe). Almost all of them were commissioned, and all have been performed. Richter has also learned to use a computer music-notation program (Sibelius), and in 2011 she established her own Web page, margarichter.com. This chapter first considers Richter's humorous works, including Erin Odyssey and Bye-Bye Bake Shoppe, before discussing her serious songs such as Testament and Dew-drops on a Lotus Leaf. It also examines her chamber and solo pieces, along with her compositions after moving to a new house.

In Rome, Barber attended a Gregorian Mass sung by Benedictine monks at St. Anselmo church and was inspired to write a grand-scaled religious work, Prayers of Kierkegaard, for orchestra, mixed chorus, a soprano solo written with Leontyne Price’s voice in mind, and incidental contralto and tenor solos. It was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Charles Munch, with Price as soloist. Barber wrote about the music to his beloved mentor and uncle, Sidney Homer, who at the time was coming toward the end of his life. Homer’s guidance was unwavering, and he encouraged Barber to listen to his inner voice and follow his instincts. As a result, his Roman-inspired pieces were performed throughout Europe. In America, a commission from the Detroit Chamber Music Society led to Barber’s composing the woodwind quintet Summer Music, a collaboration with the New York Woodwind Quintet.