Joseph Kreines and his Music for Alto Saxophone

140 Pages·2012·6.64 MB·English

by  Michael Torres

Joseph Kreines and his Music for Alto Saxophone:
A Biography, Analysis, and Performance Guide

D.M.A. DOCUMENT

Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Musical
Arts in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University

By
Michael Rene Torres, M.M., B.M.E.
Graduate Program in Music

The Ohio State University
2012

D.M.A. Document Committee:
Mr. James Hill, Advisor
Dr. Russel Mikkelson
Dr. Susan Powell
Dr. Thomas Wells
Copyright by
Michael Rene Torres
2012
Abstract

Composer Joseph Kreines (b. 1936) has written several works for the classical
saxophone. Among these are three works specifically for the alto saxophone: Suite “Alla
Barocco” for Alto Saxophone (2004), Monologue 3 for Alto Saxophone (2005), and
Cantilena and Toccata for Alto Saxophone (2006). These three compositions portray
common traits and represent Kreines’ unique compositional style. Aside from discussing
Kreines’ musical background, this document explores these three works for alto
saxophone from a historical perspective and includes a formal analysis and performance
considerations for all movements of each composition.

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To Erin
My soulmate; my best friend; my greatest supporter.
With love that only music could hope to express.

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Acknowledgments

“Joe is one of the best conductors in the world today, and has been a friend and mentor to
many musicians, especially brass players, including myself.” This sentiment by Jay
Friedman, Principal Trombone of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, is only one of
perhaps many hundreds which represent the lives that have been changed and inspired by
the conductor, composer, pianist, transcriber, and lover of classical music, Joseph
Kreines. It is with a humbled heart and the greatest respect and admiration that I write
this document about my teacher, mentor, and dear friend. I can only hope that it will in
some way serve to enhance our musical culture by spreading his example as a champion
of the musical arts. Thank you, Mr. Kreines, for being such an important part of my life.

To my family (Marlene, Edi, and Thomas) who taught me the value of hard work and
importance of integrity; who taught me to be passionate about life and to be brave in the
world; who taught me to love: words could never express my eternal gratitude for a
lifetime of your dedication, sacrifice, and unconditional affection. I adore you with all my
heart and soul. Thank you!

Also, it is with sincere appreciation that I acknowledge and thank the members of my
Graduate Committee at The Ohio State University (James Hill, Russel Mikkelson, Susan
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Powell, and Thomas Wells) who have helped to make my time in Columbus truly
magical.

Furthermore, the following artists/educators have been crucial in helping me reach this
exciting point in my life and have inspired me through their actions and words to
continuously reach for the greatest levels of musicality and artistry: Bobby Adams,
Frederick L. Hemke, and Mark P. Nelson. Finally, I especially thank my friend and
teacher, James Bishop, whose unending guidance, artistry, support, friendship, and love
have shaped me into the musician and man I am today. I only wish to make you proud.

All examples, figures, facsimiles, and published editions of musical scores/excerpts are
reprinted in this document with the permission of the composer, Joseph Kreines.

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Vita

1997-2001 ......................................................Satellite High School, FL
2001-2005 ......................................................B.M.E. Stetson University, FL
2005-2006 ......................................................M.M. Northwestern University, IL
2006-2008 ......................................................Director of Bands, Ormond Beach Middle
School, FL
2009-present ...................................................Graduate Teaching Associate, Department
of Music, The Ohio State University, OH
2010-present ...................................................Assistant Dean of Student Life, Brevard
Music Center Festival and Institute, NC
2011-present ...................................................Adjunct Lecturer of Saxophone and
Composition, Muskingum University, OH

Fields of Study

Major Field: Music

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Table of Contents

Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii
Dedication .......................................................................................................................... iii
Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................. iv
Vita ..................................................................................................................................... vi
List of Figures .................................................................................................................... ix
Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................................................... 01
Chapter 2: Biographical Sketch of Joseph Kreines........................................................... 04
Chapter 3: The Compositional Style of Joseph Kreines ................................................... 11
Chapter 4: Suite “Alla Barocco” ...................................................................................... 15
Chapter 5: Monologue 3.................................................................................................... 26
Chapter 6: Cantilena and Toccata .................................................................................... 37
Chapter 7: Conclusion....................................................................................................... 44
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................... 46
Appendix A: Biographical Timeline of Joseph Kreines ................................................... 49
Appendix B: Original Compositions by Joseph Kreines .................................................. 51

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Appendix C: Manuscript Facsimiles ................................................................................. 56
Appendix D: Published Editions ....................................................................................... 68
Appendix E: Concert Programs of Premieres ................................................................... 80
Appendix F: Excerpt of Interview Transcript ................................................................... 83

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List of Figures

Figure 01: Form Analysis of Mvt. 1 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ......................................... 03
Figure 02: Interval Map of Mvt. 1 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ............................................ 03
Figure 03: Second Stave of Mvt. 1 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ........................................... 17
Figure 04. Form Analysis of Mvt. 1 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ......................................... 18
Figure 05. Interval Map of Mvt. 1 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ............................................. 19
Figure 06. Form Analysis of Mvt. 2 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ......................................... 20
Figure 07. Measures 24-30 of Mvt. 2 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ....................................... 21
Figure 08: Interval Map A of Mvt. 2 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ........................................ 22
Figure 09: Interval Map B of Mvt. 2 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ......................................... 22
Figure 10. Measures 48-52 of Mvt.3 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ........................................ 23
Figure 11. Form Analysis of Mvt. 3 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ......................................... 24
Figure 12: Interval Map of Mvt. 3 of Suite “Alla Barocco” ............................................. 25
Figure 13: Interval Map of Mvt. 1 of Monologue 3 ......................................................... 28
Figure 14. Second Stave of Mvt. 1 of Monologue 3 ......................................................... 29
Figure 15. Form Analysis of Mvt. 1 of Monologue 3 ....................................................... 29
Figure 16: Interval Map of Mvt. 2 of Monologue 3 ......................................................... 31
Figure 17. Measures 9-16 of Mvt. 2 of Monologue 3 ....................................................... 31
Figure 18. Form Analysis of Mvt. 2 of Monologue 3 ....................................................... 32
Figure 19. Measures 6-10 of Mvt. 3 of Monologue 3 ....................................................... 33
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