Blue/White/Silver for Orchestra. (Original Composition).

Blue/White/Silver for Orchestra comprises three movements, each possessing its own clearly defined mood and character. Differences in the number and kind of woodwind and percussion instruments as well as differences in the roles of the instrumental sections result in an individual, though complex, timbre for each movement. The pitch structure of the piece provides inter-movement continuity and overall coherence. The central elements of the pitch structure are the 0,1,4 trichord and the pitch class, D. In addition to being a prime harmonic and melodic element, the 0,1,4 trichord is the basis for the work's large-scale pitch organization. The fundamental pitches of the piece receive emphasis through special timbral devices such as the association of the chimes in the first movement with the notes: D, F, F(SHARP). The overall registral ascent of the whole piece proceeds from the initial d('1) to sucessively higher cadences on d('3) in the second movement and d('4) in the third movement. The low-tessitura cadence on D in the second movement provides registral counterpoint to the general upward motion, while the use of low instrumental sounds is part of this movement's individual timbre. While the third movement does retain a timbral individuality, there are important links to the first movement. The third movement's opening brass articulations (loud, accented attacks followed by soft, lengthy decays) recall the sound of the chimes of the opening movement. At the same time an ensemble of piano, harp, and vibraphone contribute similar articulations. The flute and piccolo solos which end the third movement are highly remeniscent of solo passages for those same instruments in the first movement. The title of the piece underscores my concern with instrumental color and suggests my wish that the timbres of the work are so striking and intense as to provoke visual images in the mind of the listener.Ph.D.MusicUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/159321/1/8314205.pd