Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Date

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts

Department

Music

Committee Chair

Martin McCain

Committee Member

David Spencer

Committee Member

Elise Blatchford

Committee Member

Zack Corpus

Abstract

This dissertation proposes and applies a stylistic framework for organizing original euphonium solo literature, addressing the limitations of existing repertoire resources that rely primarily on chronology, instrumentation, or difficulty level. Because the euphonium’s solo repertoire emerged largely in the twentieth and twenty‑first centuries, traditional historical periodization obscures the stylistic diversity and pedagogical functions of the literature. The purpose of this study is to develop a classification system that reflects the musical languages, performance practices, and pedagogical uses of euphonium repertoire more accurately than conventional organizational models. The project examines 150 original solo works and categorizes them into five stylistic groups: Historical, Virtuosic Showpieces, Modernist and Experimental Art Music, Postmodern Eclecticism, and Commercial Music. Each category is defined through analysis of formal design, harmonic language, rhythmic vocabulary, idiomatic writing, and performance context. A searchable database was constructed to house these works, incorporating standardized metadata such as composer, date, instrumentation, difficulty level, and stylistic classification. Sample annotated entries demonstrate how stylistic traits and pedagogical considerations can be integrated into repertoire documentation. Findings reveal that euphonium literature is best understood through stylistic relationships rather than chronological placement. Works composed decades apart often share common musical functions, while contemporary pieces may diverge widely in aesthetic orientation. The stylistic framework highlights these connections, clarifies pedagogical applications, and supports intentional repertoire sequencing. The study also demonstrates how stylistic categorization can guide recital programming, curriculum design, and the development of technical and interpretive skills across multiple stages of study. The dissertation concludes that a style‑based organizational model provides a more flexible, accurate, and pedagogically meaningful approach to euphonium repertoire. The database serves as a living resource that can expand as new works emerge, offering performers, educators, and scholars a practical tool for navigating the evolving landscape of euphonium literature.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest/Clarivate.

Notes

Open Access.

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