Browsing by Author "Perdue, Aaron"

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    Shulamit Ran: Birds of Paradise and the Progression of her Music for Flute
    (2019-04-18) Perdue, Aaron; Jalbert, Pierre
    This study describes and analyzes Birds of Paradise for Flute and Piano (2014) by Shulamit Ran and also examines three other works by Ran that feature the flute: Sonatina for Two Flutes (1961), East Wind for Solo Flute (1987), and Moon Songs: A Song Cycle in Four Acts for Soprano, Flute, Cello, and Piano (2011). The focus of this document is on Birds of Paradise because it is Ran’s most recent composition for flute and will become a standard work in the flute repertoire. The analyses of the other three works demonstrate the progression of her writing for flute over the course of fifty years of composition. Ran’s compositional style has evolved but there are characteristic traits that identify her unique voice as a composer. These traits include her affinity toward dramatic expression, a balance between fantasy and structure, and autobiographical elements such as Middle Eastern stylistic influence. This paper also delves into Ran’s creative process and what inspires her as a composer. Lastly, it investigates the relationship between composer and performer and includes interviews with Ran and two of her closest flutist collaborators: Mary Stolper and Mimi Stillman. The analyses and discussion of these works and interviews with the composer and performers provide helpful insight to those interested in studying and performing her music. Shulamit Ran has made several significant contributions to the flute repertory and her music will undoubtedly be performed and celebrated for generations to come.