Date of Award

Fall 12-1-2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Music (MM)

Department

Music

First Advisor

Todd E. Sullivan

Second Advisor

Linda K. Damer

Third Advisor

William Davis

Abstract

The Great Dance, an original composition for full orchestra, was inspired by the novel, Perelandra (1944), by C.S. Lewis. A major theme of Lewis's book is the fall of man into sin. The central character, Elwin Ransom, is sent to the planet Perelandra to help the humans there resist falling into temptation like they did on Thulcandra (Earth). Ultimately, Perelandra's Eve does not fall, and the book ends with the angels (eldila) proclaiming long, joyous hymns of praise to God (Maleldil). During this ending scene, Ransom and the two humans of Perelandra are allowed to see through time and the material world into the Great Dance as they participate with the eldila in a litany of praise. The composition opens with a brass fanfare and continues with three large sections that correspond in a very general way to the three parts of the novel. In these three sections, there are six main motives that serve as the building blocks for the melodic and harmonic materials. The first section depicts the excitement and wonder associated with a distant planet, especially one without sin or turmoil. The repetitive melodic ideas create a sense of anticipation. The music gradually becomes more frantic, and by the end of this section, things become quite tumultuous. In the middle section, drama and uncertainty are created as Ransom tries to help Tinidril (the Eve of the planet Perelandra) resist falling into sin. This flows smoothly into the final section, which celebrates the sovereignty of Maleldil before building to an emotional climax that represents the humans' revelatory vision of the Great Dance. The piece ends with an exciting brass fanfare reminiscent of the introduction.

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