A conductors guide to the use of ensemble pedaling and acoustic recreation of electronic delay processing in the wind band music of Viet Cuong
Date
2023
Authors
Pouncey, Benjamin Allen, author
Phillips, Rebecca L., advisor
Grapes, K. Dawn, committee member
Taylor, James, committee member
Doe, Sue, committee member
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Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to provide a conductor's analysis of two unique orchestration techniques utilized in Viet Cuong's wind band music. Viet Cuong (b. 1990) is an award–winning contemporary American composer whose eclectic sound has been described as "alluring" and "wildly inventive" by The New York Times. Two approaches to orchestration have been identified by the composer as distinctive elements of his compositional voice: ensemble pedaling, and the acoustic recreation of electronic delay processing. Sound and Smoke (2011) is Cuong's earliest available work for wind band and exemplifies early application of these techniques. Over the course of his career, Cuong has continued to employ and develop these approaches in select works, including Vital Sines (2022). Therefore, this document provides detailed examination of ensemble pedaling, and the acoustic recreation of electronic delay processing appearing in Cuong's Sound and Smoke, with select examples provided from Vital Sines to serve as a comparison of these techniques in the composer's recent body of work. The research conducted was completed concurrently with the Colorado State University Wind Symphony's performance preparation of Sound and Smoke in the 2023 spring semester. The information presented serves as a resource for the preparation and performance of Viet Cuong's music for wind band.
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Subject
Conductor
Viet Cuong
Wind Ensemble
Music
Band
Wind Band