UCLA

This research explores the wind ensemble version of Viet Cuong’s piece Re(new)al (2019). This new work has not been performed often yet, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but many future performances are sure to follow. This study includes an examination of Cuong’s musical style through identification of frequently used compositional devices, an in-depth biography based on a personal interview with the composer, a brief look at the medium this work represents (percussion chamber concerti) and the role Re(new)al plays within it, interpretive and logistical considerations, and well as suggestions for further study. This dissertation posits that Cuong’s choice of orchestration and cyclical harmonic progressions combine to create tension and a musical energy to help each movement rise and fall. This highlights how Cuong purposely orchestrated Re(new)al entirely through a hocket, showing the beauty of teamwork in music and humanity, especially when it comes to making the shift to use renewable energy and solve one of the world’s biggest problems.