“ his work with Tehillim will be one of the highlights of his professional career”
Brandon Hollihan:
The process of publication By Cassidy Martenson
The IU South Bend Department of Music is making waves again. Brandon Hollihan, adjunct lecturer in music, has been published by the National Collegiate Choral Organization. Hollihan’s article “The Music of Johann Sebastian Bach as a Western Influence on Steve Reich’s Tehillim” was published in the fall 2020 issue of The Choral Scholar & American Choral Review. Hollihan lovingly calls Tehillim his “passion project” since it was at the heart of his dissertation at the Sacred Heart Music Program at Notre Dame. His dissertation, “Rehearsal and Performance Issues in Steve Reich’s Tehillim: Unlocking the Process,” was completed in pursuit of his doctor of musical arts (DMA) at the University of Notre Dame. Hollihan explains that the dissertation “mainly focuses on the vast challenges seen in putting together Tehillim, including how to sing, counting the rapidly changing time signatures, and the great challenge in conducting the music.” He completed his dissertation under the guidance of his advisor, Dr. Carmen-Helena Tellez, who specializes in contemporary music.
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For Hollihan, the word “process” played a vital role in his dissertation. The use of the word in his title is in reference to an essay by Reich entitled “Music as a Gradual Process.” According to Hollihan, “the ‘process’ was how to put together a successful performance of Tehillim in as many different facets as possible.” This process eventually allowed Hollihan to perform Tehillim alongside Third Coast Production, a Grammy-winning ensemble from Chicago, for his lecture recital at Notre Dame. His dissertation paved the way for his article “The Music of Johann Sebastian Bach as a Western Influence on Steve Reich’s Tehillim.” The article examines work by each composer and provides examples of the ways that Reich imitates Bach in his composition, Tehillim. The composition was originally written in 1981 for four voices and a chamber ensemble consisting of strings, woodwinds, percussion and two electronic organs. By highlighting the similarities between Tehillim and the work of Bach, Hollihan uncovers western music influence that is often overlooked in association with Reich’s music.
Being published was another “process” that Hollihan was able to experience through Tehillim. He explains that he submitted his article to the editor-inchief for an initial review, and then it went on to an editorial panel for their suggestions and edits. While the peerreview process can be challenging, it is rewarding and allows for the best article possible. The article was then proofread and published in the fall 2020 journal. Hollihan says his work with Tehillim will be one of the highlights of his professional career. He is grateful for the opportunities provided to him by the University of Notre Dame and hopes that his research can help other musicians who want to learn more about minimalist music. Hollihan teaches Aural Skills and History of Rock and Roll at IU South Bend, while also serving as a faculty member at Bethel University. Additionally, Hollihan serves as the music director at First United Methodist Church. Anyone that wishes to read Hollihan’s article can access it at https://ncco-usa.org/publications/ the-choral-scholar-americanchoral-review/issues/82.
