Contributions to the Wind Ensemble Medium by Three Contemporary American Composers: Norman Dello Joio, Warren Benson, and Samuel Adler Mitchell Bryan Lutch A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts University of Washington 2008 Program Authorized to Offer Degree: Music University of Washington Graduate School This is to certify that I have examined this copy of a doctoral dissertation by Mitchell Bryan Lutch and have found that it is complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the final examining committee have been made. Chair of the Supervisory Committee: _____________________________________________________ Timothy O. Salzman Reading Committee: _____________________________________________________ Thomas Collier _____________________________________________________ Timothy O. Salzman _____________________________________________________ Carole Terry Date: _____________________ In presenting this dissertation in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the doctoral degree at the University of Washington, I agree that the Library shall make its copies freely available for inspection. I further agree that extensive copying of the dissertation is allowable only for scholarly purposes, consistent with “fair use” as prescribed by the U.S. Copyright Law. Requests for copying or reproduction of this dissertation may be referred to ProQuest Information and Learning, 300 North ZeebRoad, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346, 1-800-521-0600, to whom the author has granted “the right to reproduce and sell (a) copies of the manuscript in microform and/or (b) printed copies of the manuscript made from microform.” Signature________________________ Date____________________________ University of Washington Abstract Contributions to the Wind Ensemble Medium by Three Contemporary American Composers: Norman Dello Joio, Warren Benson, and Samuel Adler Mitchell Bryan Lutch Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Professor Timothy O. Salzman Department of Music The wind ensemble compositions of Norman Dello Joio, Warren Benson, and Samuel Adler serve as pioneering contributions to the medium. The purpose of this study is to synthesize, analyze, and compare the contributions of these three contemporary composers. The dissertation examines their biographies, compositional philosophies and styles, thoughts on conducting and strategic approaches to conducting their music. Included are analyses of representative wind music from each composer as well as a catalogue of their works and recordings. The writer’s in-person interviews offer discernment into the musical lives of these composers and their landmark contributions to the wind ensemble repertoire. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page List of Figures ............................................................................................................ iii Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1 Chapter1: Dello Joio, Benson, Adler – Their Commonalities .................................... 3 Composers as Teachers ......................................................................................... 3 Contemporary Music Project ................................................................................. 4 Compositional Approach ..................................................................................... 10 Approach to Wind Ensemble Instrumentation and Part Writing ......................... 14 Common Performance Challenges ...................................................................... 19 Chapter 2: Norman Dello Joio .................................................................................. 22 Biographical Information .................................................................................... 22 Compositional Approach ..................................................................................... 31 Analysis of Fantasies on a Theme by Haydn ................................................. 35 Performing and Conducting Approach ...................................................... 54 Catalogue of Works ............................................................................................. 56 Discography ......................................................................................................... 74 Chapter 3: Warren Benson ....................................................................................... 77 Biographical Information .................................................................................... 78 Ithaca Years ......................................................................................................... 90 Benson and Battisti .............................................................................................. 94 Contemporary Music Project ............................................................................... 95 Eastman Years ..................................................................................................... 97 Compositional Approach ................................................................................... 103 Analysis of Symphony II – Lost Songs ......................................................... 109 Analysis of Symphony for Drums and Wind Orchestra ............................... 122 Analysis of The Passing Bell ........................................................................ 133 Performing and Conducting Approach .................................................... 144 Catalogue of Works ........................................................................................... 149 Discography ....................................................................................................... 167 Chapter 4: Samuel Adler ........................................................................................ 176 Biographical Information .................................................................................. 178 Teaching Career ................................................................................................. 193 Thoughts on Education ................................................................................. 195 Compositional Approach ................................................................................... 197 i Analysis of Southwestern Sketches .............................................................. 202 Performing and Conducting Approach .................................................... 227 Analysis of Double Visions .......................................................................... 229 Performance and Conducting Approach ................................................. 251 Analysis of Symphony No. 3, Diptych .......................................................... 252 Performance and Conducting Approach ................................................. 262 Future Endeavors ............................................................................................... 267 Catalogue of Works ........................................................................................... 269 Discography ....................................................................................................... 312 Chapter 4: Thoughts on Conductors and Conducting ............................................ 317 The Composer – Conductor Relationship ......................................................... 317 Attention to Detail ............................................................................................. 322 Thoughts on Programming ................................................................................ 326 Conductors’ Influences ...................................................................................... 326 Encouragement .................................................................................................. 328 Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 329 Bibliography ........................................................................................................... 331 ii LIST OF FIGURES Number Page Figure 2.1: Fantasies on a Theme by Haydn, mm. 4-6 ........................................ 37 Figure 2.2: Fantasies..., m. 12 .............................................................................. 37 Figure 2.3: Fantasies…, mm. 39-46 .................................................................... 38 Figure 2.4: Fantasies…, mm. 37-39 .................................................................... 38 Figure 2.5: Fantasies..., mm. 55-61 ..................................................................... 39 Figure 2.6: Fantasies…, ....................................................................................... 40 Figure 2.7: Fantasies…, mm. 111-114 ................................................................ 41 Figure 2.8: Fantasies…, mm. 114-116 ................................................................ 41 Figure 2.9: Fantasies…, mm. 125-128 ................................................................ 42 Figure 2.10: Fantasies…, mm. 157-158 ................................................................ 42 Figure 2.11: Fantasies…, mm. 127-130 ................................................................ 43 Figure 2.12: Fantasies…, mm. 135-136 ................................................................ 43 Figure 2.13: Fantasies…, mm.