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The .pdf files offered for download on this page are licensed under a Creative Commons License.
In this thesis (written under Dr. Peter H. Smith, University of Notre Dame), I describe a theory of motivic association by which motivic relationships and the transformational processes that govern them are mathematically quantified via operations upon sets of integers that represent the pitch content, durational content, intervallic succession, and contour for individual motives. Comparisons between motives are achieved using Fuzzy Logic techniques. Developmental processes are described through the application of a specific mathematical function or functions (known as transformational operators) to all or some of the members of any or all of the four sets of integers used to define a motive. These functions are applied to any motive "p" that precedes another motive "q" such that p is transformed into q using as few functions as possible. The data generated by the fuzzy comparisons and the transformational operators is then used to construct a radial product network that represents the degree and means of relationships between all the motives in a given musical work as it unfolds across time.
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The product of a graduate seminar on Tonal Forms led by Dr. Ethan Haimo at the University of Notre Dame, this paper applies the theory of formal logic outlined by Dr. Haimo in his book Haydn's Symphonic Forms: Essays in Compositional Logic to the first movement of Beethoven's piano sonata Op. 10 no. 3.
DownloadWritten for Dr. Ethan Haimo at The University of Notre Dame, this paper presents a detailed analysis of Op. 11 no. 2 focusing on the processes of developing variation and motivic transformation that operate throughout the work.
DownloadThis paper examines one of Heinrich Isaac's motets written in memorium for Lorenzo de' Medici. Employing numerological analysis of the motet as well as historical and medical research, the paper uncovers a possible accusation of murder encoded in the fabric of the motet and proposes a scenario in which Girolamo Savanarola or one of his followers may have poisoned Lorenzo.
I am currently preparing this paper for publication under the guidance of Dr. Paula Higgins, The University of Notre Dame, for whom it was written.
DownloadWritten for Dr. Susan Youens, this paper presents a musical and textual analysis of two songs by Franz Schubert (Op. 39 and Op. 105 no. 4) and one song by the German Goth-Metal Band Rammstein all entitled Sehnsucht (translated: Longing or Desire). The analysis focuses on both the musical manifestations of Sehnsucht in each song and the changes evident in artistic and philosophical interpretations of Sehnsucht across time as represented by all three songs.
DownloadThe Wachowski brothers' innovative film The Matrix presents a unique sensitivity to the role of sound design and the interaction of sound effects with the musical soundtrack. This paper, written for Dr. Sabine Feisst, analyzes this interaction and shows its roots in the role of visual sound cues in early silent film and modern day graphic novels.