Selfish: a recording of my own compositions

Abstract

This project comprises a professional recording of several of my compositions and an accompanying manuscript discussing my general approach to composition and my unique role as a composer-performer. The recorded compositions include works for trombone choir, solos for bass trombone and piano, a duet for tenor trombone and bass trombone with trombone octet, and a piece for bass trombone and fixed media written specifically for this project. The manuscript focuses on the harmony, rhythm, and form of my compositions. Stylistic traits such as neotonality, asymmetric forms, and novel rhythmic textures are discussed with examples from the compositions. The manuscript concludes with a discussion of the duality of being a composer-performer, addressing various perspectives on why the two should be mutually inclusive, or why they should be kept separate.