'The Riverfisher, Part I' and 'The Riverfisher, Part I -- A Written Analytical Commentary

This dissertation is in two parts: The Riverfisher, Part I, and The Riverfisher, Part I: A Written Analytic Commentary. The Riverfisher, Part I is a musical composition scored for 20 players: soprano and mezzo soprano voices, Yamaha DX7 digital synthesizer (or its equivalent), and a double chamber ensemble consisting of two groups situated on either side of the stage. Except for the double bass, each instrument has a complement in the opposing group. The complementary forces are flute and alto flute/piccolo, soprano/tenor saxophone and French horn, harp and electric guitar, percussion and percussion, and two string quartets. The piece is a setting of the poem 'The Darwinist' by Tory Dent, and is the first in a projected series of three connected pieces, all of which are settings of Dent's poetry. The title The Riverfisher, Part I (hereafter to be called The Riverfisher) comes from the final stanza of the third poem in the series, entitled 'Snow': sk50'Nothing stays' says the riverfisher sk50'My house is a winter held at sea, sk50 Where leaves and water are the same.'$/sp1$ This written analytic commentary contains three chapters. The Introduction discusses esthetic forces that influenced the development and decision-making process in the composition of the piece. Chapter II explores large and small scale formal matters, and Chapter III deals with The Riverfisher's harmonic language. The Appendix is intended for the reader who has a special interest in electronic or computer music. I have also included a recording of the keyboard part, to allow the electronic element of the piece to emerge from the imagined to the real. ftn$/sp1$Used with the poet's permission.