Anders Åstrand: a Paragon of the Modern Musical Aesthetic
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University of Kentucky UKnowledge Theses and Dissertations--Music Music 2017 Anders Åstrand: A Paragon of the Modern Musical Aesthetic Matthew Geiger University of Kentucky, [email protected] Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.13023/ETD.2017.069 Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Geiger, Matthew, "Anders Åstrand: A Paragon of the Modern Musical Aesthetic" (2017). Theses and Dissertations--Music. 81. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/music_etds/81 This Doctoral Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Music at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations--Music by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STUDENT AGREEMENT: I represent that my thesis or dissertation and abstract are my original work. Proper attribution has been given to all outside sources. 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REVIEW, APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE The document mentioned above has been reviewed and accepted by the student’s advisor, on behalf of the advisory committee, and by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), on behalf of the program; we verify that this is the final, approved version of the student’s thesis including all changes required by the advisory committee. The undersigned agree to abide by the statements above. Matthew Geiger, Student James B. Campbell, Major Professor Dr. Michael Baker, Director of Graduate Studies ANDERS ÅSTRAND: A PARAGON OF THE MODERN MUSICAL AESTHETIC ________________________________ DISSERTATION ________________________________ A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in the College of Fine Arts at the University of Kentucky By Matthew Ryan Geiger Lexington, Kentucky Director: Prof. James B. Campbell, Professor of Music Lexington, Kentucky 2017 Copyright © Matthew Ryan Geiger 2017 ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION ANDERS ÅSTRAND: A PARAGON OF THE MODERN MUSICAL AESTHETIC Swedish musician Anders Åstrand sustains a career as a performing soloist and chamber musician, composer for small and large chamber ensembles, and improviser in a vast variety of styles. His career represents the future within the musical world as it shifts from the orchestras and concert halls to a society more interested social media outlets such as YouTube and Facebook Live. His compositions integrate elements of improvisation in concept and execution. The primary aim of this study examines the life and career of Anders Åstrand and the correlation of those influences with his compositional aesthetic. The secondary objective connects the inspirations and music of Anders Åstrand with the College Music Society’s manifesto on progressive change for the undergraduate curriculum. KEYWORDS: Composition, Contemporary Musician, Improvisation, Musical Pedagogy, Percussion Performance Matthew Ryan Geiger April 8, 2017 ________________________ ANDERS ÅSTRAND: A PARAGON OF THE MODERN MUSICAL AESTHETIC By Matthew Ryan Geiger James B. Campbell Director of Dissertation______ Dr. Michael Baker Director of Graduate Studies _ March 9, 2017 _____________________ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document, along with all my achievements thus far and in the future, would never have been possible without God, my supportive family, friends, and committee members. My family has put up with my drumming in the house for years; not only did they ignore the ruckus, but they loved me, pushed me, and believed in me to do greater things: I could not ask for a better family. I am thankful that my committee consists of valuable, compassionate teachers that have known me for several years and been able to witness my growth through that time. Next, I would like to thank my mentor Jim Campbell for his constant and unwavering support throughout my career. He has pushed me into a world of possibilities and never stopped providing opportunities. I would never have become the player and teacher that I am today without his education and guidance. I also want to thank my great teachers and mentors of the past who still influence and guide me today, especially Brandon Wood, Brian Mason, Joseph Gramley, Jonathan Ovalle, Ben Stiers, Brian Nozny, Paul Berns, Jim DeCaro, Steve Yoder, Chad Kohler, Matthew James, Randy Greenwell, and Jay Young. Finally, I would like to extend the greatest thanks to Anders and his wonderful family for their compassion and hospitality during my study in Sweden. I had a great time visiting Stockholm and getting a small insight into Swedish culture. I also deeply appreciate the support provided by the University of Kentucky Graduate School. This venture was extremely insightful, and it was a true joy to witness the passion and spirit surrounding Anders and his life. Copyright © Matthew Ryan Geiger 2017 iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... iii List of Figures ................................................................................................................. vi PART ONE Chapter 1: An Introduction and Overview ................................................................ 2 Chapter 2: Composer Biography .................................................................................. 9 Early Life ................................................................................................................................... 10 Pursuit of Excellence ............................................................................................................... 14 The Many Adventures of Anders Åstrand .......................................................................... 16 A Week with Anders............................................................................................................... 21 Drive .......................................................................................................................................... 27 Chapter 3: The Use of Improvisation to Create Compositions ............................ 29 Chapter 4: Musical Examples ...................................................................................... 38 Finding Fossils ......................................................................................................................... 41 Kvart i Fyra ............................................................................................................................... 45 Bluegrass Bounce ..................................................................................................................... 51 Bell Power ................................................................................................................................. 57 Chapter 5: Interpretation and Reception .................................................................. 65 Interpreting the Music ............................................................................................................ 65 The Reception of Anders Åstrand ........................................................................................ 68 Chapter 6: Anders as a Representation of the Future of Higher Education ...... 70 The College Music Society’s Manifesto ................................................................................ 70 Anders as the Improviser-Composer-Performer ................................................................ 76 Chapter 7: Lessons for a Successful Career .............................................................. 79 Confidence ................................................................................................................................ 79 Passion ...................................................................................................................................... 80 Pride .......................................................................................................................................... 85 Joy .............................................................................................................................................. 86 iv Appendix A: Selected Interview Transcriptions .................................................... 88 Stockholm and Learning to be Independent: ...................................................................... 88 Thoughts on Music: ................................................................................................................. 94 General Compositional Techniques and Specific Examples: .........................................