Skip to Main Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Submit an ETD
Global Search Box
Need Help?
Keyword Search
Participating Institutions
Advanced Search
School Logo
Files
File List
Gamma-RayBurst.pdf (697.62 KB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
Gamma-Ray Burst
Author Info
Miller, Colleen Noel
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1490635260295568
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2017, Master of Music (MM), Bowling Green State University, Music Composition.
Abstract
Gamma-Ray Burst is a single-movement work for sinfonietta with the following instrumentation: flute, oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, 2 violins, viola, cello, and contrabass. The piece is approximately ten minutes in length and has three distinct formal sections. The conceptual idea for the piece stems from a cosmic event called a gamma-ray burst. This phenomenon is one of the brightest, most chaotic explosions in the entire universe. My composition follows a narrative which parallels the three stages of an actual gamma-ray burst: the undisturbed cosmos, the burst, and the afterglow. The calm opening develops slowly using musical representations of the Doppler Effect, increasing movement and activity. The next section, the burst, depicts the release of a tremendous amount of energy. The energy dissipates via representation of distinct regions of the electro-magnetic spectrum—radio waves, visible light, gamma rays, etc. This suggests the start of the third formal section, the afterglow. In my narrative, the afterglow represents of a scenario in which a gamma-ray burst is aimed directly at the Earth. The lasting effects would be devastating to life on Earth and would result in a barren environment. The rhythmic language employed in this piece is important in accurately depicting the extra-musical narrative. My goal is to create a sporadic and spontaneous musical space. To achieve this, I use syncopated gestures between contrapuntal lines and a variety of rhythmic subdivisions.
Committee
Christopher Dietz (Advisor)
Marilyn Shrude (Committee Member)
Pages
38 p.
Subject Headings
Composition
;
Music
Keywords
music
;
composition
;
sinfonietta
;
gamma-ray burst
Recommended Citations
Refworks
EndNote
RIS
Mendeley
Citations
Miller, C. N. (2017).
Gamma-Ray Burst
[Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1490635260295568
APA Style (7th edition)
Miller, Colleen.
Gamma-Ray Burst.
2017. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1490635260295568.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Miller, Colleen. "Gamma-Ray Burst." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1490635260295568
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
Abstract Footer
Document number:
bgsu1490635260295568
Download Count:
291
Copyright Info
© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.