An Analysis of Western Art Music Arrangements for Steel Pan Chamber Ensemble

This dissertation is an analysis of western art music arrangements for steel pan chamber ensembles. Specifically, this dissertation will analyze how certain arrangers have adapted western art music for steel pan chamber ensemble while discussing the possible methods the arranger used to create this adaptation. The analysis will observe the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, and other significant alterations made in the steel pan chamber arrangement, and discuss any changes made, whether due to the adaptation of the instruments or otherwise, from the original works. The dissertation will also include a brief historical discussion on western art music’s influence of early steel pan development as well as an explanation of the design and properties of the modern steel pan orchestra. The dissertation concludes with a discussion on the importance of steel pan chamber music to the future prosperity of steel pan repertoire. The dissertation was written for the purpose of helping future arrangers of steel pan chamber music to not only learn how various western art music is adapted to the ensemble but to help build an understanding of the importance of having such music available to pannists