Date of Award
5-2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Music (MM)
Department
Music
First Advisor
Michael Schelle
Second Advisor
Frank Felice
Third Advisor
Trae Blanco
Abstract
From the Four Winds is a four-movement suite for orchestra and jazz musicians. Work on the first movement started in early 2021, and work on the other three movements began in fall 2023. All of music is based on four pitches, B, C, Db, and Eb, which are usually used as chord roots. The concept of four winds was inspired by Chinese culture, but the relationship between the music and the four compass directions was from the perspective of the Midwestern United States. Two movements have sections for jazz style improvisation, and two were influenced by musical minimalism. The final movement, South Wind, consists of four sections inspired by Afro-Latin jazz and dance music. Descriptions of the composition process and the history of the development of each movement are provided.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Thomas James, "From the Four Winds: A Suite for Orchestra and Jazz Musicians" (2025). Graduate Thesis Collection. 562.
https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/grtheses/562