University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Bang On A Can's Lost Objects by David Lang, Julia Wolfe, and Michael Gordon: Postminimalism and hybridization

Kim, Byungjin

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/103557

Description

Title
Bang On A Can's Lost Objects by David Lang, Julia Wolfe, and Michael Gordon: Postminimalism and hybridization
Author(s)
Kim, Byungjin
Issue Date
2019
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Taube, Heinrich
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Taube, Heinrich
Committee Member(s)
  • Taylor, Stephen
  • Tharp, Reynold
  • Scholwin, Richard
Department of Study
School of Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Keyword(s)
  • Postminimalism
  • hybridization
  • Bang On A Can
  • Lost Objects
  • Bang On A Can's Lost Objects
  • David Lang
  • Julia Wolfe
  • Michael Gordon
Language
en
Abstract
Lost Objects (2001) is a collaborative work by Bang on a Can, a multi-faceted contemporary music organization established by Julia Wolfe (b. 1958), Michael Gordon (b. 1956), and David Lang (b. 1957). Through analysis of Lost Objects, this study defines hybridization as a compositional element used by Wolfe, Lang, and Gordon. This thesis also explores the relationship between postminimalism and the composers’ brand of hybridization. This trio has a strong interest in diatonic and tonal pitch language while, at the same time, avoiding traditional functional tonality. They also combine simplified materials and procedures with repetition and diatonicism. While one strain of their music uses minimalism, not all of their music fits into this category. Lost Objects is a contemporary oratorio that includes a Baroque ensemble, Bang on a Can Ensemble, voices, and DJ Spooky. It combines music from different genres, including Renaissance and Baroque music, nineteenth and twentieth century music, minimalism, and electro-acoustic music. This thesis, therefore, aims to analyze Gordon, Lang, and Wolfe’s hybridization skills that subtly combine regional, cultural, and historical elements to create a unique style of music. Furthermore, the similarities and differences between these composers’ styles will be examined. Finally, the study will also discuss Bang on A Can’s musical language and compare it to postminimalist music.
Type of Resource
  • text
  • image
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/103557
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2019 Byungjin Kim

Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Theses [Option 2] - Music PRIMARY