ABSTRACT Title of Dissertation: VLUG 295 | ‘N STRYKKWARTET IN TWEE DELE. FLIGHT 295 | A STRING QUARTET IN TWO PARTS. Johannes Hendrik Visser, Doctor of Musical Arts, 2024. Dissertation directed by: Professor Robert Gibson, University of Maryland School of Music This work is a critique of the social injustices committed by the oppressive South African government at the height of the Apartheid era. Its commentary is exemplified through the metaphor of Flight 295 – a South African Airways flight that crashed in the Indian Ocean in the late 1980s. The crimes against humanity committed throughout South Africa by the Apartheid regime find a chilling parallel in the events that caused the crash of Flight 295. En route from East Asia, it is widely acknowledged that the Boeing 747-200 Combi was carrying volatile arms in its cargo compartment. Severe turbulence is said to have caused the arms to destabilize, causing a fire that engulfed the aircraft mid-flight. The recklessness of the government in smuggling unstable black-market arms to South Africa (which would then be used to fight a “war” against people of colour) on board a passenger flight, showed their lack of concern for human life. It is an awareness of these atrocities that this composition strives to share with audiences through the expression of the emotions that I feel when I think of the events of that horrific era in the history of my country and culture. I believe that it is important to share this uncomfortable historical event with people so that we can fight against similar human rights violations happening daily around the world. VLUG 295 | ‘N STRYKKWARTET IN TWEE DELE. FLIGHT 295 | A STRING QUARTET IN TWO PARTS. by Johannes Hendrik Visser Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts 2024 Advisory Committee: Professor Robert Gibson, Chair Associate Professor Gretchen Horlacher Associate Professor David Neely Associate Professor Mark Wilson Professor Misha Kachman, Dean’s Representative © Copyright by Johannes Hendrik Visser 2024 ii Program Note This work is a critique of the social injustices committed by the oppressive South African government at the height of the Apartheid era. Its commentary is exemplified through the metaphor of Flight 295 – a South African Airways flight that crashed in the Indian Ocean in the late 1980s. The crimes against humanity committed throughout South Africa by the Apartheid regime find a chilling parallel in the events that caused the crash of Flight 295. En route from East Asia, it is widely acknowledged that the Boeing 747-200 Combi was carrying volatile arms in its cargo compartment. Severe turbulence is said to have caused the arms to destabilize, causing a fire that engulfed the aircraft mid-flight. The recklessness of the government in smuggling unstable black-market arms to South Africa (which would then be used to fight a “war” against people of colour) on board a passenger flight, showed their lack of concern for human life. It is an awareness of these atrocities that this composition strives to share with audiences through the expression of the emotions that I feel when I think of the events of that horrific era in the history of my country and culture. I believe that it is important to share this uncomfortable historical event with people so that we can fight against similar human rights violations happening daily around the world. iii vir kelly iv Acknowledgements To Professor Robert Gibson. Thank you for your endless support, for believing in me, and for helping me realize my dreams. I am especially grateful to you for showing me how to believe in my art. When we began working together, I had no artistic identity, no voice, and no confidence. You have shown me what it means to believe in myself and see value in who I am. Thank you for always vouching for me, for always being understanding when life became overwhelming, and for being my greatest advocate, no matter the circumstances. I am forever grateful, and I look forward to many more years of friendship, collaboration, dreaming, and turning those into reality in our community. --- To Professors Gretchen Horlacher, David Neely, Mark Wilson, and Misha Kachman. Thank you for taking the time to review my thesis. Your insight into contemporary composition, aesthetics, current musical trends, orchestration, and musical philosophy as shared with me through our conversations during my time at UMD has been invaluable. I am especially grateful for the contribution that you made to who I am as a musician today. Whether it was discussing expression and musicality through rhetoric in looking at Debussy and Strauss, or how movement and momentum tie inextricably to music and musicality, or how orchestration, timbre, and careful sonic planning can bring a composition to life, what I gained from these experiences have forever influenced my artistic identity. We have shared many memorable moments that I will continue to cherish going forward. I hope we can continue to collaborate in the future. v --- To my mentors and professors who contributed vitally to my growth as a musician during my studies at the University of Maryland: Dora Hanninen, Michael Votta, Daniel Zimmerman, and Thomas DeLio. Thank you for all that you have given me. You have each played a significant, meaningful role in my education, both in and out of academics. For that, I am very grateful! --- A special thank you to Professor William (Bill) Evans and his wife, Nancy. Words fail when trying to encompass what you two have meant to me. Thank you for always bringing light and life to a room. Thank you for always thinking of us – somehow you always knew when I needed a message of encouragement or support. And thank you for always believing in me and my artistic vision. I look forward to many more years of friendship, laughter, and kindness. --- Aan Oom Heinrich. Vir al oom se konstante ondersteuning, vir die onuitputbare goeie advies wat in ‘n konstante riviervloed na my kom, vir al die goeie grappies, wonderlike stories, herinneringe deel, en konstante liefde wat oom na my gestroom het. Baie dankie! --- Aan Luke. Bra, jy was só ‘n yster vir my gewees in hierdie rowwe tyd. Thanks vir die konstante bemoedeging, vir die wonderlike stories deel, vir al die k@k praat sessies (of which there were many), roadtrips beplan, fantasize oor klas brannas, en vi vir al die onophoudelike support wat jy vir my gegee het! Daarsonder sou ek dit nie gemaak het nie. --- To all my friends, both here in the United States and in South Africa. Thank you for your constant support, for great stories, laughter, memories, and quality roasts. A special thank you to my Maryland friends: Neka Borders, Izzy and Tina Miller, Sean Klink and Cassy Powers, Molly Leach, Sophie Rymarowicz, Brianne Steif, Wesley Hornpetrie, Rizgar Ismael, William Kenlon, Gil Cruz; and my South African friends: Alexander and Colette Wehmeyer, Petri Gilbert, Albie and Hanna van Schalkwyk, Rudolph and Emma Willemse, Niel and Talita Booysen, and Pieter Du Plessis. --- Special mention goes out to my Monteux friends: Allion Salvador, Zach Banks, and Yale Rosin. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reminding me what is important, and why we sacrifice so much in the pursuit of our art. Sometimes, it can be difficult to keep perspective, but I always know that I can turn to you all to remind me what this is all about. I cannot wait to see you all again in Maine over the summer. --- To Kelly. Where do I begin? The endless stream of love, compassion, support, understanding, companionship, comfort, and faith that you showed me over the past few years (and for a good while before that too) is simply overwhelming. Without you, all of this would not have been possible. I love you and thank you! vii --- To my family, Reinier, Maria, Jeanne-Marié, Hanu, Charl, and Lorinda. Baie baie dankie vir julle bodemlose liefde, ondersteuning, hulp, aanmoediging, hoop, vertroue, en geloof. Al het dit partykeer maar moeilik gegaan, sou ek dit geensins sonder julle kon doen nie. Ek is baie baie lief vir julle! viii Table of Contents Program Note _______________________________________________________ II Dedication _________________________________________________________ III Acknowledgements __________________________________________________ IV Table of Contents __________________________________________________ VIII vlug 295 Full Score __________________________________________________________ 1 Curriculum Vitae ___________________________________________________ 38 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 CURRICULUM VITAE Johannes Visser | Composer - Conductor 7926 Mayfair Cir., Ellicott City, MD 21043 16 Salisbury Ave., Kenridge, Cape Town, South Africa 7550 www.johannesvissermusiek.com Education D.M.A., Music Composition: May 2024, University of Maryland, College Park Maryland M.M., Orchestral Conducting: May 2020, University of Louisville, Louisville Kentucky M.M., Music Composition: May 2019, University of Louisville, Louisville Kentucky B.Mus., Music Composition and Piano: June 2017, University of Cape Town, Cape Town South Africa Semester abroad study, Music Composition: December 2015, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles California Summer school intensive study, German as a foreign language: August 2015, University of Basel, Basel Switzerland Training Composition Robert Gibson, University of Maryland, 2020 present. Steve Rouse, University of Louisville, 2017 2020. Krzysztof Wo ek, University of Louisville, 2017 2020. Hendrik Hofmeyr, University of Cape Town, 2013 2017. David Lefkowitz, University of California Los Angeles, 2015. Piano Albie van Schalkwyk, University of Cape Town, 2012 2018. Francois Du Toit, University of Cape Town, 2014. Conducting Orchestral: David Neely, University of Maryland, 2021 2023. Orchestral: Kimcherie Lloyd, University of Louisville, 2017 2020. Choral: Kent Hatteberg, University of Louisville, 2019 2020. Orchestral: Travis Cross, University of California Los Angeles, 2015. Double Bass Henrike Kovats, University of Cape Town, 2014 2017. Roxane Steffen, Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, 2017 2020. Compositions and Performances (selected) Instrumentation Title Duration Premiere Symphonic Large orchestra vyf afrikaanse danse: I sokkie (2022) 02:30 April 2022, College Park, MD: University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra Chamber orchestra drie gedigte oor plekke: I sousousvlei (2021) 10:40 January 2022, College Park, MD: Alarm Will Sound Large orchestra, Soprano mabalêl (2019) 17:30 Large orchestra klankstruktuur No.2 (2018) 02:10 April 2018, Louisville, KY: UofL Symphony Orchestra Chamber orchestra bo-kaap (2018) 11:30 March 2018, Louisville, KY: Orchestra Enigmatic 38 Large orchestra madiba se sprokie (2016/18) 10:50 June 2017, Cape Town: UCT Symphony Orchestra Chamber orchestra Cleopatra opera aria (2016) 05:40 Chamber Vln, Cl, Hn, Bsn karoo stop: III glasskerwe (2022) 04:20 September 2022, College Park, MD: TEMPO New Music Ensemble Fl, B. Cl, Vln, Vla karoo stop: VII sterrehemel (2023) 04:45 September 2023, College Park, MD: TEMPO New Music Ensemble Brass Quintet prelude vir koperblaaskwintet (2021) 10:20 November 2021, College Park, MD: Barclay Brass String Quartet vlug 295 (2023-24) 16:30 May 2023, College Park, MD: Tesla Quartet Fl, Vcl, prepared Pf munch museum (2018) 03:30 November 2018, Louisville: UofL Chamber Ensemble Cl, Hn, Perc, Pf, Vn, Vla, Vcl Untitled 1 (2016) 09:50 May 2016, Cape Town: The Cone Ensemble Vcl, pf sonate vir tjello en klavier (2016) 07:00 String Quartet strykkwartet (string quartet) (2015) 06:00 October 2020, Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Rider Choral SSAA herontmoeting (2017) 05:20 SSA + Pf gym (2017) 02:30 SSAATTBB straatkafee melville (2016) 04:10 Solo Harp fantasie vir harp (2017) 06:20 March 2018, Louisville: Parker Ramsey Clarinet in B-flat beeld en dans (2016) 07:10 March 2018, Louisville: Samantha Holman Electronic Improvised Kalimba, live electronics (Max/MSP) improvisasie vir kalimba (2018) 07:00 17:00 November 2018, Louisville: Johannes Visser Tbn, live electronics klankstruktuur no.1 vir skuiftrompet en elektronika (2018) 07:30 April 2018, Louisville: C. Estabrook, J. Visser Sound installation sound portraits (2018) 45:00 April 2018, Louisville Fixed media (Max/MSP) vryheid (2017) 04:00 April 2018, Louisville Masterclasses Composition Joel Bons, April 2019. Bent Sørensen, April 2018. Amy Williams (University of Pittsburgh), Nov. 2018. David Dzubay (Indiana University), Nov. 2017. Christo Jankowitz (University of South Africa), Jun. 2016. Ian Krouse (UCLA), Sept. Dec. 2015. Conducting Tiffany Lu, July 2023. Hugh Wolff, July 2023. Arthur Fagen, July 2023. Kenneth Kiesler, July 2023. Ludovic Morlot, July 2022. Brandon Phillips, June 2019. Andrea Vela, Feb. 2018. Bernhard Gueller, June 2017. Arjan Tien, April 2017. 39 Selected Awards, Distinctions, and Appointments Recipient of 6 competitive composition readings and performances by internationally acclaimed ensembles Alarm Will Sound, JACK Quartet, Balance Campaign, Barclay Brass, Tesla String Quartet, and Brooklyn Rider (2020 24) Flagship Fellowship recipient from the University of Maryland, College Park (2020 24) Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Fellow (2020 24) Assistant Artistic Director of the TEMPO New Music Ensemble (2022 24) present) Conducting fellow at the Monteux School and Music Festival for Conductors: Hancock, Maine (2022 24) Conducting Intern with the Capital City Symphony Orchestra (2022 present) Music Director, conductor, and pianist for the Clarksville Little Theatre production of the musicals Cinderella and Zombie Prom in Clarksville, IN (2020) Private commission to write music for the poetry collection middelman by Rudolph Willemse (2020) Louisville Civic Orchestra commission for a Christmas Festival symphonic arrangement (2019) Conductor of Orchestra Enigmatic at their performances of bo-kaap in Louisville, KY (2019) University of Louisville graduations with Summa Cum Laude (2019, 2020) Cape Philharmonic Orchestra contract to play double bass for the winter symphony season (2017 20) Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival contract to play double bass (2014 20) Bomhard Fellowship recipient from the University of Louisville (2017 19) University of Cape Town graduation with Summa Cum Laude (2017) Bronze award Lionel Bowman Piano Competition (2017) Stellenbosch Camerata Orchestra contract to play double bass (2014 17) Winner Jan Royce Symphonic Composition Competition with sprokie (2016) Bronze awards Cone of Composition Competition with Untitled 1 (2016) and Introduction, theme, and variations on an original theme (2015) SAMRO Music Scholarship recipient (2013 16) Winner Peter Klatzow Prize for Composers (2016) Myra Chapman Undergraduate Music Scholarship recipient (2016, 2014) 2013, 2014, 2016) Winner Thea Estie Prize for Accompanists (2015, 2013) Selected for a fully funded semester abroad study at the University of California Los Angeles (2015) Invited to attend a fully funded summer intensive programme at the University of Basel (2015) Concerto soloist on double bass (2015) Community engagement Prince George s Philharmonic: making classical music accessible to all in the greater DMV area (2022-24) Collaboration on concerts with the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (2022-24) Capital City Symphony: bringing classical music to the Central Union Mission and assisting with providing warm meals to the homeless (2022-24) Collaborating with economically disadvantaged schools in the DMV area to give students opportunities to perform on stage as instrumental soloists, dancers, singers, and choirs (2021-24) Partnership between the Prince George s Philharmonic and the Collington Life Care Community to involve Collington residents in the orchestra as well as bring performances to their facilities (2021-24) Teaching and leadership experience University of Maryland, College Park Instructor of record: Music Theory undergraduate level 1 (2022 23) | Technology and a Career in Music (2021 24) | Music Fundamentals (2021) | Music Theory Ear Training (2020) Composers Colloquium Coordinator for the Composition division at the University of Maryland (2023-24) Assistant Artistic Director, Curator, and Coordinator of the TEMPO new music ensemble (2023-24) Coordinator and leader of groundbreaking inter-disciplinary and cross-divisional student collaborations at the University of Maryland School of Music (2023-24) 40 Project leader, curator, and coordinator for the University of Maryland School of Music 72-hour Composition Challenge, part of the NextNow Fest of visionaries (2022-23) Member of the Board of Student Representatives at the University of Maryland (2022-23) Clarksville Little Theatre, Clarksville: Music director, conductor, and pianist (2019 2020) Skills Audio Software Compositional Practical Teaching Max/MSP Art music composer Orchestral conductor Composition Open Music Arranger Choral conductor Conducting Pro-tools Film scorer Pianist/accompanist Piano Logic Pro Improviser Double bassist Double Bass Adobe Audition Sibelius Dorico Engraver Session musician Advanced theory (chromatic harmony and post tonal) Academic Qualifications 2020 2023 - University of Maryland: Doctor of Musical Arts (composition) GPA: 4.0/4 2019 2020 - University of Louisville: Master of Music (conducting) Summa Cum Laude - GPA: 4.0/4 2017 2019 - University of Louisville: Master of Music (composition) Summa Cum Laude - GPA: 3.9998/4 2013 2016 - University of Cape Town: Bachelor of Music Summa Cum Laude - S.A. GPA: 83.5/100 U.S. GPA: 3.98/4 2015 - University of California Los Angeles University of Basel GPA: 4/4 GPA: 100/100 41 Visser dissertation front matter corrected.pdf Binder1.pdf Visser DMA dissertation - score - Copy.pdf Johannes Visser dissertation CV edited.pdf