The Sword of Truth, Tribute Synthesizer Suite

This thesis is by graduate electronic composer Jay Pellis and provides an in depth discussion of composition techniques, music technology processes and notation examples for an original musical work based on Terry Goodkind's epic fantasy "The Sword of Truth." Various characters in the text are set to music similar to the "leitmotif" technique used by operatic and film composers such as Wagner and John Williams. Blind since birth, Jay Pellis used advanced computer software to create this work on a Windows PC. The thesis details the processes used to develop and perform his major work such as: musical computer techniques, sequencing software usage, keyboard synthesizers and an electronic wind controller. This electronic composition was performed live at his graduate recital and submitted as a major composition for a master's degree in music technology/electronic composition. Jay Pellis in addition discusses the expressive freedom music technology provides to a visually impaired musician.