"Aurora" for orchestra. (Original composition);.

"Aurora" is a single-movement work of approximately 14 minutes duration, scored for full orchestra consisting of winds and brass in threes (with piccolo, bass clarinet and contrabassoon doubled), three percussionists, timpani, harp, celesta and strings. This piece depicts brilliant radiance which swirls and shimmers around a central framework, a chorale which emerges near the beginning. This radiance is charged with driving energy which propels the listener forward to a dramatic conclusion. The opening section is comprised of high swirling figures which gradually descend to converge with a low ascending line, establishing a focal point from which the second section, the chorale, springs forth. A string interlude, based on a rhythmic figure which was presented in the opening, interrupts. Later, a pulsating transition leads to a long elaboration of the chorale, which is concluded by dramatic trumpet solos and a very high, reflective violin solo. Abruptly, a driving percussion solo cuts in, leading to a fast, jagged melody which is spread through the entire orchestra. This is interrupted by fast, virtuosic passages in the individual sections of the orchestra, which bring on rapidly pulsating chords. The chorale reappears amidst a swirl of percussion and motoric chordal repetitions and the work hammers toward a breathless conclusion.Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)Music; CompositionUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/103050/1/9034364.pdfDescription of 9034364.pdf : Restricted to UM users only