Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

College of Music and Dramatic Arts

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The timpani were first introduced to the orchestra in the 1700s, and composers immediately used the instruments in unique ways. To this day, timpani literature continues to experiment with new techniques to create diverse sounds. One such composer who created unique sounds for the instrument was Christopher Deane. Deane is one of the most influential composers of percussion literature whose works are frequently programmed on concerts and recitals. Throughout his career, he has received many commissions from across the United States, won awards for his compositions, and had numerous world premieres at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. His use of extended techniques throughout his body of work has driven innovation and created new forms of creative expression that have influenced many successive percussion composers. His solo timpani works are no different—Prelude I, Prelude no. III, and The Bones of Chuang Tzu are his only solo timpani works, all of which utilize extended techniques. Many of the techniques were introduced by other composers, such as Elliott Carter, John Bergamo, Jan Williams, and John Beck, in works that predate Deane’s, but some are inventions of Deane himself.

Reason for Research and Limitations:

Much research has been done on various aspects of Deane’s music, including the extended techniques used in his marimba and vibraphone pieces as well as his percussion ensemble music. However, there has been limited research conducted on his timpani works and the extended techniques used. In my research, I intend to analyze the extended techniques in his timpani works, identify their musical purpose, and offer performance advice on the best ways to execute them. This document primarily serves as a guide to performing the techniques in Deane’s works; it can certainly be applied to other pieces that use them. In addition, my research will help future composers learn to utilize these techniques in their own compositions and to realize them through notation.

Date

4-10-2026

Committee Chair

Dietz, Brett W.

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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