A chronology of recorded long-form compositions in jazz

Abstract

OF THESIS A CHRONOLOGY OF RECORDED LONG-FORM COMPOSITIONS IN JAZZ by DANIEL THOMAS PETERSON Thesis Director: Dr. Lewis Porter Jazz composition is rarely given equal consideration in comparison to the attention given to iconic performers and improvisation. This, however, overlooks the important relationship artists and improvisation both have with compositions. As with all musical styles, there is a repertoire that falls outside the expected boundaries of a jazz performance. Long-form compositions, suites and multimovement compositions are song forms which are atypical to the jazz repertoire and often neglected in research. Though several jazz suites are considered historically important, no research has been attempted to compile a comprehensive list of these type of compositions. Long-form compositions in jazz began as works that were often compared to the Western Classical musical model. Historically they became artistic expressions of modern compositional methods, specialty recording settings for great soloists and forums for political and social commentary. Investigating the history, musical content and the reasons why jazz composers pursued atypical repertoire in their compositions offers a valuable perspective on jazz and its composers. This research created an expansive chronology of long form compositions and offers insight into specific jazz musicians and their individual motivations.