Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

1237

T Jon Pelon

Date

2014

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts

Major

Music

Concentration

Performance

Committee Member

John Mueller

Committee Member

Albert Nguyen

Committee Member

Dan Phillips

Abstract

One of the most celebrated Czech composers, Leos Janacek found inspiration in the old folk music of his native land, while also being progressive in his expansion of tonality, and in his use of unorthodox instrumentation. Particularly interesting is his use of the tenor tuba in works such as the famous Sinfonietta. A lesser known work of Janacek's oeuvre is the Capriccio for Left-Hand and Chamber Orchestra. This work was written under the suggestion of the famous left-hand pianist Otakar Hollmann, with the pianist to be accompanied by a most unusual ensemble of flute (doubling on piccolo), two trumpets, three trombones, and tenor tuba. This paper discusses Leos Janacek's Capriccio for Piano Left-Hand and Chamber Orchestra as a work that is innovative in its use of the tenor tuba in a small ensemble. The paper focuses particularly on the writing for the tenor tuba in the work, and explores how the Capriccio is a fine model of how the euphonium, with its flexability and technical capabilities, is a valuable asset in a chamber ensemble. The paper containsa theoretical analysis of the work, and discusses the composer's use of "Scasovani,"a musical principle of his own invention where repetitive motives give musical works an almost minimalistic feel. Difficulties that the euphonium player might have performing the work are discussed, and advice is given regarding the difficulties.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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