Chamber Symphony
Abstract
“Chamber Symphony” is a symphony for chamber orchestra (flute/piccolo, oboe/english
horn, clarinet, bassoon, two horns in F, piano, and strings) and soprano. It is in a nesting doll
structure. That is, there are increasingly smaller forms within the overall largest form; the
single symphony form sits within a sonata form whose four sections are comprised of the
stereotypical four symphony movements. The whole work gravitates around the tonic of D;
starting there, moving through A, F-sharp, B-flat, back to D before finally resting on F. All of
these structural elements are designed to emphasize, enhance, and relate to the text of Walt
Whitman’s “O Me! O Life!” which is the central part of the symphony.
At all of its levels “Chamber Symphony” is about memory. Walt Whitman’s text poses
the question of what purpose there is in continuing on and committing to the fight to be the
best possible version of yourself when the world will continue to give you unlimited reasons
not to. For me personally, the last ten years of higher education have been a constant push to
try to be the best while constantly having reminders that nothing will be easy. This reminder is the bases for that constant return of the funeral march theme and the barrage of split third
chords throughout the work.
Some of my favorite memories come from my time singing hymns at camp-fire vesper
services during my times at church camp. The second movement serves to be the
embodiment of these times and moments. Its hymn theme seeks to fight the funeral music
throughout. Those were always the clearest and most peaceful times for me and easily some
of the strongest. So, to me, those are the answer to Whitman’s question. It is because of those
moments “that the powerful play goes on, and [I] may contribute a verse.”
Degree
D.M.A.