Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

Music

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Viet Cuong is an emerging and highly regarded American composer currently serving on the faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he teaches composition, orchestration, and music theory. Cuong's academic credentials include degrees from prestigious institutions such as the Curtis Institute of Music, Princeton University, and the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Over the years, his compositional portfolio has expanded significantly, encompassing a diverse range of genres and mediums, including vocal, orchestral, wind band, and chamber music. His chamber works, in particular, stand out for their fusion of diverse genres and instrumentation. One area in which Cuong has made notable contributions is his exploration of the oboe. His affinity for the oboe has resulted in an impressive body of work that provides a rich and varied repertoire for oboe performers, which will be a central focus of this final project.

This project will examine three chamber works by Cuong: Suite for Two Oboes and English Horn, Extra Fancy for Two Oboes, English Horn, and Two Bassoons, and Circling Back for Oboe and Cello. These pieces mark important stages in Cuong’s compositional development, each showcasing different aspects of his musical style and his expanding exploration of the oboe as an expressive instrument. Covering a variety of genres and musical contexts, these works highlight Cuong's versatility and his ability to combine technical innovation with emotional expression. The project will include a detailed analysis of selected parts from these compositions, comparing them to other prominent works in the oboe repertoire to emphasize their distinctive contributions.

Date

7-10-2025

Committee Chair

Parker, Andrew W.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.6852

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