The Unifying Principles of Performance and Compositional Intent Restricted; Files Only
Parrish, Eli (Spring 2024)
Abstract
This thesis presents the artistic and reproducible results of two years of research into the multifaceted classical musician. My research has revealed specific insights into the intersection of four musical disciplines: instrumental performance, music composition, ensemble conduction, and poetic interpretation through music. I will demonstrate the application of these insights in through my recital and more specifically articulate them in the accompanying program notes.
As I evolve as a clarinetist, conductor, and composer, the underlying relationships between these musical sub-disciplines continuously reveal meaningful grounds for exploration. These understood relationships arose from introspective analysis that prompted many questions: What elements of my clarinet studies affect my choices as a composer? How does my understanding of composition affect my gesture and rehearsal etiquette as a conductor? How do my experiences on the podium influence my instrumental performance and compositional practice? This honors project answers these questions through a recital of solo clarinet and chamber music performance as well as self-conducted original compositions.
Through this project, I have extrapolated my findings into definable principles of instrumental studies, composition, interpretation, and conducting. I experienced that what unifies these fields meaningfully involves relinquishing control over the musical process, entrusting groups of musicians to enrich music making, and approaching composition and performance through a well-rounded interdisciplinary artistic lens. These principles, which I address specifically in the program notes, influence the musician's creative timeline from artistic vision to public performance.
Table of Contents
Recital Program from the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts………………………….........………1
Text and Translations…………………………………………………………………….................………...6
Biographies……………………………………………………………………………………….......................8
Sonata for Clarinet and Piano by Leonard Bernstein (Program Note)........................................13
1513 by Eli Parrish (Program Note)........................................................................................15
Weeping Willow by Eli Parrish and Matowacipi Horse (Program Note)......................................17
Il Lampo by Eli Parrish, text by Giovanni Pascoli (Program Note)..............................................21
Azzurro Cristallo by Eli Parrish, text by Sarah Delfino (Program Note)......................................22
Fanfare for an Introvert by Eli Parrish (Program Note).............................................................23
Cirrus by Eli Parrish (Program Note)......................................................................................24
Prometheus’ Prelude by Eli Parrish (Program Note).................................................................25
The Emory Young People’s Concert Orchestra, March 1st 2024 Roster……………………........…....28
1513 by Eli Parrish (Score).....................................................................................................29
Weeping Willow by Eli Parrish and Matowacipi Horse (Score)...................................................44
Il Lampo by Eli Parrish, text by Giovanni Pascoli (Score)...........................................................64
Azzurro Cristallo by Eli Parrish, text by Sarah Delfino (Score)....................................................83
Fanfare for an Introvert by Eli Parrish (Score)...........................................................................109
Cirrus by Eli Parrish (Score)....................................................................................................122
Prometheus’ Prelude by Eli Parrish (Score)...............................................................................131
About this Honors Thesis
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