Composition and Analysis of Symphony No. 1 by David Shaw and Analysis of Symphony No. 5 by Peter Mennin

This work is an original composition, Symphony No. 1, based on the symphonic techniques of the twentieth-century American composer Peter Mennin (1923-1983). It also contains a biography of Mennin, a survey of his symphonies, and an in-depth analysis of his Symphony No. 5, which is representative of his less dissonant, middle style. The analysis of Symphony No. 5 examines its compositional elements, including its use of rhythm, orchestration, harmony, formal structure, and thematic material. An in-depth analysis of Shaw’s Symphony No. 1 follows, examining the same elements. The appendices include supporting materials and the score to Symphony No. 1.