Mountains in the Distance

Title from PDF of title page viewed July 9, 2021Thesis advisor: Chen YiVitaThesis (M.M.)--UMKC Conservatory. University of Missouri--Kansas City, 2021This thesis explores the mechanics of musical composition and orchestration through the lens of an orchestral tone poem. The work presents various musical materials with characteristics and qualities in accordance with the the work’s inspiration, the mountains of the Sierra Nevada range in the northern region of the state of California in the United States. Melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, temporal, and structural elements are used to present a clear and well proportioned musical image descriptive of the experience of walking through these large and majestic mountains. The purpose of this work is to transmute this experience to the listener through the medium of music.Abstract -- Acknowledgments -- Cover page -- Program notes and instrumentation -- Score -- Vit