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Aaron Copland's Piano Variations: Adaptation for Large Saxophone Aaron Copland’s Piano Variations: Adaptation for Large Saxophone Ensemble and Considerations for Performance by Andrew Schoen B.M., M.M. A Doctoral Document In Music Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Texas Tech University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS Approved Professor David Dees Chair of Committee Dr. David Shea Dr. Amy Anderson Dr. Mark Sheridan Dean of the Graduate School May 2020 Copyright 2020, Andrew Schoen Texas Tech University, Andrew Schoen, May 2020 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Throughout the course of my studies, I have been incredibly fortunate to have had the tireless support of my teachers, family, and colleagues. To my mentor Professor David Dees, your commitment to your students, passion for music, and love for teaching has given me an incredible model as a pedagogue and musician. Thank you for going above and beyond for me over the past four years. I am honored to be your student and an alumnus of the Texas Tech University saxophone studio. To my former teacher Dr. Will Campbell, thank you for pushing me to be the best musician I could be. Your guidance as a teacher, and performer has continued to motivate me throughout my academic and musical career. I am honored to call you my friend and colleague. To my family, Mom, Dad, Laura, and Michael, thank you for your unwavering support throughout my pursuit of a career in music. I would not be here without all of your love and encouragement. Lastly, I am thankful for the musical friendships I have made throughout my studies. You have all been an integral part of my support network and an endless source of encouragement and inspiration. There are more of you than I can list but a special thanks to Brooke Trapp, Will Pyle, Tony Guzman, Ryan Hill, Ben Still, Andrew Reinhart, Justus Ross, Noah Bruening, Kevin Taylor, Richard Hall, and Ben Brauer. ii Texas Tech University, Andrew Schoen, May 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................................... ii Abstract ....................................................................................................................................................... iv List of Musical Examples ...................................................................................................................... v I. Aaron Copland ....................................................................................................................................... 1 Biography ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Compositional Styles and Periods .................................................................................... 5 Aaron Copland and the Saxophone .................................................................................. 9 II. The Piano Variations ..................................................................................................................... 12 Background............................................................................................................................... 12 A Brief Analysis ....................................................................................................................... 14 III. Considerations for the Adaptation to Large Saxophone Ensemble ...................... 20 Overview .................................................................................................................................... 20 General Considerations ...................................................................................................... 21 Consideration of the Orchestral Variations ............................................................... 24 IV. The Adaptation................................................................................................................................ 38 The Arranging Process ........................................................................................................ 38 Performance Considerations ........................................................................................... 44 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................ 46 Bibliography ............................................................................................................................................ 47 Appendix ................................................................................................................................................... 49 iii Texas Tech University, Andrew Schoen, May 2020 ABSTRACT Aaron Copland remains one of the most prominent and successful composers of the United States. His musical contributions reflect an expansive range of styles and genres. Copland’s Piano Variations mark a unique facet of his musical priorities and have become a staple of 20th century piano repertoire. The Piano Variations demand a wide tessitura, a variety of characters, and an expansive palate of color and timbre. During Copland’s compositional reign, the saxophone was becoming increasingly respected as a classical instrument in solo, chamber, and orchestral mediums. While he composed in a wide range of genres and musical styles, Copland did not explore the possibilities for the concert saxophone, resulting in virtually no saxophone repertoire from this great American composer. This project includes an arrangement that will prove valuable for saxophonists who wish to perform the music of Aaron Copland by providing access to an underrepresented style from his musical output. The arrangement for large saxophone ensemble consists of three sopranos, three altos, three tenors, two baritones, and a bass saxophone. This document presents biographical information on Aaron Copland, an overview of his compositional styles and influences, and a brief analysis of the Piano Variations. Also included are considerations for the adaptation to large saxophone ensemble and performance considerations for the arrangement. iv Texas Tech University, Andrew Schoen, May 2020 LIST OF MUSICAL EXAMPLES 1. Piano Variations Theme, mm. 1-11 ............................................................................... 15 2. Saxophone Ensemble Sounding Ranges ..................................................................... 21 3. Collective Sounding Range of Saxophone Ensemble ............................................ 21 4. Tessitura of Piano Variations ........................................................................................... 22 5. Left Hand Figure from Variation 6 of Piano Variations ....................................... 23 6. Low Saxophone Articulation Adjustment, mm. 69-70 ........................................ 24 7 Variation 8 of Piano Variations ......................................................................................... 26 8. Variation 8 of Orchestral Variations, mm. 86-90...................................................... 26 9. Variation 10 of Piano Variations ...................................................................................... 28 10 Added Rhythm in Variation 10 of Orchestral Variations, mm. 110-113 ..... 29 11. Variation 6 of Saxophone Adaptation, mm. 110-111 ............................................ 30 12. Variation 6 of Piano Variations ........................................................................................ 31 13. Added Rhythm in Variation 6 of Orchestral Variations, mm. 62-63 ............... 31 14. Added Rhythm in Variation 6 of Saxophone Adaptation, m.62........................ 32 15. Extended Technique in Piano Variations, mm. 1-4 ................................................ 34 16. Adaptation of Piano Extended Technique in Orchestral Variations, . ...................................................................................................................................... 34 1 7 . Percussive Rhythms mm. 1-5 . in Variation 20 of Piano Variations .................................... 35 18. Percussion Break in Variation 20 of Orchestral Variations, mm. 308-314 36 v Texas Tech University, Andrew Schoen, May 2020 CHAPTER I AARON COPLAND Biography Aaron Copland played an integral role in the creation and development of 20th century American music. Regarded as one of the most prominent and successful composers of the United States, Copland maintained a diverse and active career of composing, conducting, performing, teaching, and writing. His music reflects an eclectic range of styles and genres including ballet, film score, orchestral, piano, and chamber works. Copland was born November 14, 1900, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents, Russian Jewish immigrants Harris and Sarah Copland, lived with their five children above a department store they owned in Brooklyn. Copland began to discover music on his own at the age of 7 by making up tunes at the piano. These tunes eventually evolved into short, notated pieces by the age of 12.1 He began his first formal piano lessons in 1913 with Leopold Wolfsohn who acquainted Copland with the music of Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin.2 Instead of pursuing a university education after graduating high school, Copland continued the composition and harmony studies he began with Rubin Goldmark towards 1 Howard Pollack, Copland, Aaron (Grove Music Online, Oxford Music Online Oxford University Press), 398. 2 Ibid. 1 Texas Tech
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