17th Annual Student Research Conference
Fine Arts
Motivic Unification in the Third Movement of David Gillingham's "Apocalyptic Dreams"
Michael T. James♦
Dr. Warren Gooch, Faculty Mentor
David Gillingham’s works are often known for their religious/liturgical themes and the presentation of chorale tunes throughout his compositions. The third movement of his “Apocalyptic Dreams” employs the hymn, “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light.” This celebrated hymn is used as the basis for the construction of related pitch material, motives and modalities. Throughout the movement, the tune is often alluded to (most notably through the use of the Lydian scale) and it is finally fully presented at the climax of the work. The influence of both the chorale melody and its harmonic progressions are apparent throughout the movement and this tightly constructed piece reveals some insight into Gillingham’s compositional style.
Keywords: David Gillingham, Apocalyptic Dreams, wind band music, band, composition, motivic unification, Lydian, chorale tune
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 3-1
Location: OP 2113
Time: 8:30