Hybridity in Flute Music of Four Contemporary Composers
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HYBRIDITY IN FLUTE MUSIC OF FOUR CONTEMPORARY COMPOSERS Yeji Kim A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS December 2012 Committee: Marilyn Shrude, Advisor Robert W. Midden Graduate Faculty Representative Mary Natvig John Sampen © 2012 Yeji Kim All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Marilyn Shrude, Advisor Hybridity is a concept that is widely discussed in the field of cultural studies. The term can be applied to anything that exhibits a fusion or mixture of elements and fades the demarcation between the elements. In music it is evident in the fusion of such disparate elements as old and new styles; electronic and acoustic media; Western and non-Western music; audio and visual components; classical and popular music; and the use of quotation. These elements are often combined in works that contribute to a hybrid musical vocabulary with a distinctive style, so that the points of departure are often blurred. Many recently composed works for flute demonstrate hybridity. The purpose of this document is to explore the concept of hybridity as evidenced in the flute works of four contemporary American composers and flutists: Cynthia Folio (b. 1954), Anne La Berge (b. 1955), Janice Misurell-Mitchell (b. 1946), and Maggi Payne (b. 1945). The study examines what brought about their hybrid approach to composition, as well as the relationship between their roles as both creator and presenter of works that demonstrate hybridity. Extensive email interviews, consultation of available sources, and analyses of compositions are the essential research tools. The first chapter includes pertinent biographical and educational information of the four subjects. Chapter two explores their roles as both composer iv and performer. The third chapter presents a general overview of hybridity as it relates to the music of each composer. The final chapter provides a discussion of the use of extended techniques in a specific work by each composer. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This document would not have been possible without the guidance of many people who contributed and extended their valuable assistance in the preparation and completion of this study. First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Nina Assimakopoulos, Professor of Flute at the West Virginia University. She has been the greatest motivation and inspiration for me to grow as a musician during my study at Bowling Green State University. Her passion for contemporary music and creative ideas greatly guided and improved this document. I am also very thankful to Dr. Marilyn Shrude. This document would not have been possible without her expertise, patience, dedication, and encouragement. Despite the physical distance, she was always available whenever I needed her assistance, and for that I am tremendously thankful. I am also grateful to Dr. John Sampen for not only serving on my doctoral committee, but also sharing his artistry as a musician and kindness as a person with me. I would like to also thank Dr. Mary Natvig. She always guided and directed me in the right path whenever it counted most. Additionally, I would like to thank Dr. Robert Midden for being a wonderful committee member. With his thoughtful and meticulous assistance with technology, it was possible to defend my document from such distance. I would also like to express my genuine appreciation to Soyoung Lee, for being the utmost motivation in my musical life not only as a musician and a teacher, but also as a person. I also would like to acknowledge Cynthia Folio, Anne La Berge, Janice Misurell-Mitchell, and Maggi Payne for their willingness to participate in this study and sharing their precious musical experiences with me. vi I cannot thank my parents, Moomyeong Kim, and Haejin Yoo, enough for their unwavering devotion, countless sacrifice, and limitless support and love they have given me over the years. I would also like to express my sincerest thanks to my brother Minji and my sister Yeejee for their love and encouragement, as well as to the rest of my family and friends. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Research Problem and Document Organization ............................................................. 1 Hybridity in Prominent Works of the Twentieth Century ........................................... 2 CHAPTER I. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION AND EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND OF COMPOSERS ........................................................................................................... 5 Cynthia Folio ................................................................................................................................ 5 Anne La Berge ............................................................................................................................... 8 Janice Misurell-Mitchell ............................................................................................................. 11 Maggi Payne ................................................................................................................................ 14 CHAPTER II. HYBRID ROLES: COMPOSER AND PERFORMER ................................................. 18 Composer Perspective ............................................................................................................... 18 Performer Perspective ............................................................................................................... 22 CHAPTER III. HYBRIDITY FOUND IN THE COMPOSERS’ MUSICAL ACTIVITIES ......................................................................................... 26 Cynthia Folio ................................................................................................................................ 26 Anne La Berge ............................................................................................................................... 30 Janice Misurell-Mitchell ............................................................................................................. 34 Maggi Payne ................................................................................................................................ 37 CHAPTER IV. THE USE OF EXTENDED TECHNIQUES IN SELECTED WORKS .................... 40 Background on Use of Extended Techniques.................................................................... 40 Extended Techniques in Specific Works ............................................................................. 43 viii Arca Sacra by Cynthia Folio ........................................................................................ 44 revamper by Anne La Berge ........................................................................................ 48 Sometime the City is Silent by Janice Misurell-Mitchell ..................................... 51 Reflections by Maggi Payne ........................................................................................ 57 CONCLUSION .... .......................................................................................................................................... 64 BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................................................... 66 APPENDIX A. HSRB APPROVAL LETTER ......................................................................................... 69 APPENDIX B. HSRB INFORMED CONSENT FORMS ..................................................................... 70 APPENDIX C. EMAIL INTERVIEW WITH THE COMPOSERS ..................................................... 78 ix LIST OF MUSICAL EXAMPLES/FIGURES Examples Page 1 Folio, Arca Sacra, 1st page of score, line 1 ........................................................................... 46 2 Folio, Arca Sacra, 1st page of score, line 2 ........................................................................... 46 3 Folio, Arca Sacra, 1st page of score, line 5 ........................................................................... 47 4 Folio, Arca Sacra, 3rd page of score, line 1 .......................................................................... 47 5 Folio, Arca Sacra, 4th page of score, line 2 .......................................................................... 48 6 La Berge, revamper, mm. 1-18 ................................................................................................ 49 7 La Berge, revamper, score and “legend” .............................................................................. 50 8 La Berge, revamper, score and “legend” .............................................................................. 50 9 La Berge, revamper, score and “legend” .............................................................................. 50 10 La Berge, revamper, mm. 20-22 ............................................................................................. 51 11 Misurell-Mitchell, Sometimes the City is Silent, page 5 ................................................... 54 12 Misurell-Mitchell, Sometimes the City is Silent, page 2 ................................................... 54 13 Misurell-Mitchell, Sometimes the City is Silent, page 1 ................................................... 55 14 Misurell-Mitchell, Sometimes the City is Silent, page 2 ..................................................