Musica Universalis: an original composition for chamber ensemble

摘要

Musica Universalis is a four-movement chamber work for flute, clarinet, harp, piano, andviola. This twenty minute composition draws inspiration from concepts found in astrology andmyths associated with stars found in zodiac signs. Each movement of the work is named after adifferent star, and has a personality reflective of the unique traits associated with its zodiac sign.At the same time, it uses similar musical material throughout the four movements to create asense of unity.The accompanying document provides a review of relevant literature that provedhistorically, musically, and thematically influential, as well as an analysis of the work thatincludes formal development, compositional techniques used, instrumentation, harmony, rhythm,and polyphony. The document also provides an analysis of The Wind in High Places by JohnLuther Adams and Breathless by Chris Arrell and compares/contrasts techniques in these worksto techniques used in Musica Universalis . The document also reflects on things the studentlearned during the composition process and how the work will add to chamber music repertoire.