“…still points ahead…”

Instrumentation: mandolin, oboe, and orchestra

2 fl, 2 cl in B-flat (+bass cl), 2 bn (+contrabassoon), soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, 2 hn, 2 tpt in Bb, 2 tbn (+bass tbn), pc (2 players), strings

oboe solo (amplification optional)
mandolin solo (amplification optional)

Duration: ca. 18′

Program note:

This composition for oboe, mandolin, and orchestra was written using a narrative form involving dialogues between the melodic structure of the soloists and the harmonic structure of the orchestra. At odds with this linear musical paradigm is the essential aesthetic notion by which the writing of the composition was influenced. This aesthetic, reflected in the life work of composer Morton Feldman, involves music that is specifically non-teleological and focuses on the immediacy of each musical moment. The conflict between musical structure and aesthetic was implemented as an element of creative design within this aesthetic context. In addition to the specific details regarding structure, aesthetic, and conflict between each, details regarding particular extra-musical influences upon the writing of this composition include the cinematic works of Michelangelo Antonioni and Jean-Luc Godard as well as the poetry of T.S. Eliot and Charles Bukowski.

“…still points ahead…” is the thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music at the University of Miami.