| The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed examination of Steven Bryant's longest work for winds, the Concerto for Wind Ensemble. An introduction and brief history of wind band literature will be given in Chapter One, including the inception of the modern Wind Ensemble and the development of its repertoire. Informative details about the composer's musical life and influences will be revealed in Chapter Two. Chapter Three includes an examination of the composer's musical style with a mention of his other works for wind band and other genres. Chapter Four discusses the concerto, including concertos for orchestra and wind ensemble, and how Bryant's work was commissioned and performed. Chapter Five covers Bryant's compositional process and an internet-based video series documenting that process as he composed the Concerto for Wind Ensemble. A detailed musical analysis is presented in Chapter Six, including flow charts of each movement. And finally, Chapter Seven draws upon the wisdom and experience of several conductors with direct knowledge of the work. It is my sincere hope that this paper will serve as a thorough and valued resource for future conductors of Steven Bryant's Concerto for Wind Ensemble.. |
