Doctorate Music Composition: Symphony No.1

Abstract

       The Music Composition “Symphony No. 1” is a programmatic work for symphony orchestra and narrator describing Biblical events, Christian teaching and beliefs.  The original composition incorporates both traditional and contemporary practices. Symphony No. 1 is a program music which approximately 30 minutes long, comprised of 3 movements, according to the doctrine of Trinity as the overarching faith of one God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The main theme from the first movement (The Creator) comprises of three motivic figures (motives X, Y, and Z) and two rhythmic motives (rhythm motive 1 and 2).  The motives are then used as germinating ideas and are developed throughout the piece.  In addition, Symphony No. 1 combines various compositional techniques and practices namely tonal music, modal music, and twentieth century music including non-traditional chord progressions; secundal, quartal, and quintal harmonies; clusters; chords of resonance (chord structure based on overtone series); layers of different sounds; extended instrumental techniques; ad libitum. The narrator reveals the story of God’s creation, exasperation, and re-creation.