Adaptation as Composition: Flexible Approaches in Renewal

Abstract

My percussion quartet concerto Renewal was commissioned in 2017 by the Albany Symphony and its music director David Alan Miller in collaboration with GE Renewable Energy, and consists of three movements inspired by hydro, wind, and solar power. This original version was scored for sinfonietta, and I have since adapted it to create versions for orchestra, wind ensemble, and chamber winds. Each of the four versions has its own distinctive sound, and thus the process of adapting each one presented unique challenges that required flexibility to solve. This dissertation reviews the piece’s background, provides insight into the piece’s influences, and explores the discoveries made during the adaptation process. Particular attention is paid to the emulation of electronic effects, including delay and EDM uplifters, as well as the adaptation of string-centric music for winds. My approaches may help to guide composers or arrangers interested in writing or adapting music for wind ensemble, as well as offer insight to those looking to write or study acoustic music inspired by electronics.