Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

School of Music

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

This project consists of transcriptions of two pieces from the shakuhachi honkyoku (“original pieces”) repertoire, Kumoi Jishi (Cloud Lion) and Sanya Sugagaki (Three Valleys), with the aim of extending the bassoon’s repertoire outside of the Western canon while exploring the capabilities of the bassoon to emulate the performance practices of the shakuhachi, which include both extended techniques found in current bassoon literature as well as techniques unique to shakuhachi performance. Included in the written document is a brief overview of the shakuhachi and its applications in traditional Japanese music, a description of honkyoku and its characteristics, and the Japanese concept of ma which is essential to the performance of traditional Japanese music. The breadth of the written document describes the process of transcription: selection of honkyoku works, adaptation of shakuhachi notational system to Western notational system, comparison between shakuhachi and bassoon performance practice and techniques, method for notating techniques, and a discussion on interpretive elements of honkyoku (rhythm, meter, pitch, ma (use of silence or negative space)).  Conclusions include a brief discussion on current bassoon repertoire that has been influenced by musical traditions outside of Western art music in relation to pertinent elements of the transcription process, the implications of the project in a cross-cultural context (appreciation vs. appropriation), and potential professional applications.

Date

3-27-2026

Committee Chair

Belmont, Nanci

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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