GYPSY SPIRIT SUITE: AN ORIGINAL JAZZ MANOUCHE COMPOSITION FOR LARGE ENSEMBLE

<p>This thesis presents an original jazz manouche musical composition, <em>Gypsy Spirit Suite</em>, arranged for a large ensemble comprising winds, horns, strings, guitar, cimbalom, vibraphone, and percussion. The composition integrates jazz manouche (gypsy jazz) elements, such as chromatic passing chords, virtuosic melodic runs, and la pompe rhythm, into a large ensemble. Modal interchange, extended harmonies, and fusion with genres like latin and funk generate interest and reflect contemporary jazz manouche evolution. The written thesis supports the composition through a detailed analysis of jazz manouche harmonic schema, instrumental techniques, idiomatic passages, and orchestration techniques that blend jazz and classical genres. By examining the hallmarks of traditional jazz manouche, as pioneered by Django Reinhardt, contemporary innovations by artists like the Rosenberg Trio, and orchestration strategies from classical compositions, this thesis demonstrates how <em>Gypsy Spirit Suite</em> bridges historical and modern musical vocabularies to create a cohesive and innovative work.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Music

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

School of Music

Year dc:date.available

2025

Author dc:creator

• Knirk, Nicholas

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Benjamin Morris

• gypsy jazz
• Django Reinhardt
• jazz manouche
• guitar
• jazz
• large ensemble
• Composition

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/649

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.sfasu.edu:etds-1707