Thematic Process and Motivic-Developmental Approaches to Composition in three works for Jazz Orchestra

This exegesis examines key structural processes found in selected large-scale, extended compositions for jazz orchestra, with a particular focus on composers Maria Schneider, Darcy James Argue, Jim McNeely. These composers are archetypal jazz orchestral composers and are currently active. I will discuss their approaches to structure and the formal function of musical materials within selected compositions. The aim of this exegesis is to uncover the way in which jazz orchestral composition invokes concepts related to theme and development identified in classical analytical literature. As such, I will argue that the works analysed here suggest a move more toward forms associated with the classical period, such as sonata form.