Sam Reenan
@sam-reenan.bsky.social
Music theorist researching form and genre mixture in early 20c music. he/him/his. Author, Symphonic Spectacles (OUP 2025). All views my own
In The Prison, Smyth uses the symphonic medium as a venue for the subversive retelling of a personally significant narrative. Smyth’s compositional and textual decisions reveal aspects of her ideological conception of the woman’s voice.
November 16, 2025 at 10:42 PM
In The Prison, Smyth uses the symphonic medium as a venue for the subversive retelling of a personally significant narrative. Smyth’s compositional and textual decisions reveal aspects of her ideological conception of the woman’s voice.
In Black, Brown & Beige, Ellington composes, revises, and recasts his longest work over a 30-year period, making structural changes in order to engender more positive reception and intelligibility after its early panning in the press.
November 16, 2025 at 10:42 PM
In Black, Brown & Beige, Ellington composes, revises, and recasts his longest work over a 30-year period, making structural changes in order to engender more positive reception and intelligibility after its early panning in the press.
In this colloquium, I’ll introduce the central themes of the book before presenting two case studies.
We’ll examine form, narrative, and reception in Duke Ellington’s Black, Brown & Beige and Ethel Smyth’s The Prison, both of which employ symphonic techniques mixed with other genre signifiers.
We’ll examine form, narrative, and reception in Duke Ellington’s Black, Brown & Beige and Ethel Smyth’s The Prison, both of which employ symphonic techniques mixed with other genre signifiers.
November 16, 2025 at 10:42 PM
In this colloquium, I’ll introduce the central themes of the book before presenting two case studies.
We’ll examine form, narrative, and reception in Duke Ellington’s Black, Brown & Beige and Ethel Smyth’s The Prison, both of which employ symphonic techniques mixed with other genre signifiers.
We’ll examine form, narrative, and reception in Duke Ellington’s Black, Brown & Beige and Ethel Smyth’s The Prison, both of which employ symphonic techniques mixed with other genre signifiers.
Update: still cute, this is now a kitten account
September 2, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Update: still cute, this is now a kitten account
Macaroni (aka Big Mac) wants to know how handsome he is
September 1, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Macaroni (aka Big Mac) wants to know how handsome he is
This paper analyzes string chamber works of the last half century to examine contemporary relationships
between chamber music and the natural world.
I focus on the music of Anna Thorvaldsdottir, who describes much of her recent music as "as an ecosystem of materials."
Read the abstract here:
between chamber music and the natural world.
I focus on the music of Anna Thorvaldsdottir, who describes much of her recent music as "as an ecosystem of materials."
Read the abstract here:
July 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM
This paper analyzes string chamber works of the last half century to examine contemporary relationships
between chamber music and the natural world.
I focus on the music of Anna Thorvaldsdottir, who describes much of her recent music as "as an ecosystem of materials."
Read the abstract here:
between chamber music and the natural world.
I focus on the music of Anna Thorvaldsdottir, who describes much of her recent music as "as an ecosystem of materials."
Read the abstract here:
Heading to Manchester, UK tomorrow for the Manchester Music Analysis conference hosted by the Society for Music Analysis.
If you'll be there, I invite you to check out my paper on Monday morning, titled "Chamber Music Ecosystems."
View the program and register here: www.sma.ac.uk/mcrmac2025/
If you'll be there, I invite you to check out my paper on Monday morning, titled "Chamber Music Ecosystems."
View the program and register here: www.sma.ac.uk/mcrmac2025/
July 10, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Heading to Manchester, UK tomorrow for the Manchester Music Analysis conference hosted by the Society for Music Analysis.
If you'll be there, I invite you to check out my paper on Monday morning, titled "Chamber Music Ecosystems."
View the program and register here: www.sma.ac.uk/mcrmac2025/
If you'll be there, I invite you to check out my paper on Monday morning, titled "Chamber Music Ecosystems."
View the program and register here: www.sma.ac.uk/mcrmac2025/
This chapter establishes a theoretical foundation for considering the book's repertoire by critically examining three framing concepts:
Structure, Spectacle, and the Symphony
The chapter begins with a vignette concerning the 1953 performances of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Song of Hiawatha, op. 30
Structure, Spectacle, and the Symphony
The chapter begins with a vignette concerning the 1953 performances of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Song of Hiawatha, op. 30
June 21, 2025 at 3:49 PM
This chapter establishes a theoretical foundation for considering the book's repertoire by critically examining three framing concepts:
Structure, Spectacle, and the Symphony
The chapter begins with a vignette concerning the 1953 performances of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Song of Hiawatha, op. 30
Structure, Spectacle, and the Symphony
The chapter begins with a vignette concerning the 1953 performances of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Song of Hiawatha, op. 30
Interested in trying Symphonic Spectacles before you buy?
You can read Chapter 1, "Structure, Spectacle, Symphony," for FREE on Oxford Academic now until July 21.
Follow this link: academic.oup.com/book/59824/c...
And remember that you can purchase your own discounted copy with code
AUFLY30
You can read Chapter 1, "Structure, Spectacle, Symphony," for FREE on Oxford Academic now until July 21.
Follow this link: academic.oup.com/book/59824/c...
And remember that you can purchase your own discounted copy with code
AUFLY30
June 21, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Interested in trying Symphonic Spectacles before you buy?
You can read Chapter 1, "Structure, Spectacle, Symphony," for FREE on Oxford Academic now until July 21.
Follow this link: academic.oup.com/book/59824/c...
And remember that you can purchase your own discounted copy with code
AUFLY30
You can read Chapter 1, "Structure, Spectacle, Symphony," for FREE on Oxford Academic now until July 21.
Follow this link: academic.oup.com/book/59824/c...
And remember that you can purchase your own discounted copy with code
AUFLY30
Life update! 📣
This fall I will begin a new position as Assistant Professor of Music Theory at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the vibrant community of faculty and students at CCM over the past few months. Excited for this next opportunity!
This fall I will begin a new position as Assistant Professor of Music Theory at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the vibrant community of faculty and students at CCM over the past few months. Excited for this next opportunity!
June 6, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Life update! 📣
This fall I will begin a new position as Assistant Professor of Music Theory at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the vibrant community of faculty and students at CCM over the past few months. Excited for this next opportunity!
This fall I will begin a new position as Assistant Professor of Music Theory at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the vibrant community of faculty and students at CCM over the past few months. Excited for this next opportunity!
If you’re interested in Symphonic Spectacles, you can now use the discount code AUFLY30 for 30% off global.oup.com/academic!
You can also read the book online if your institution provides access to Oxford Academic:
academic.oup.com/book/59824
You can also read the book online if your institution provides access to Oxford Academic:
academic.oup.com/book/59824
May 28, 2025 at 10:54 AM
If you’re interested in Symphonic Spectacles, you can now use the discount code AUFLY30 for 30% off global.oup.com/academic!
You can also read the book online if your institution provides access to Oxford Academic:
academic.oup.com/book/59824
You can also read the book online if your institution provides access to Oxford Academic:
academic.oup.com/book/59824
The analysis explores how Smyth combines symphonic and operatic elements to create a transgressive retelling of Brewster’s story.
Smyth splits the main character in Brewster’s tale, a Prisoner, into two characters, the Prisoner and his Soul, who interact in a variety of dialogues across the work.
Smyth splits the main character in Brewster’s tale, a Prisoner, into two characters, the Prisoner and his Soul, who interact in a variety of dialogues across the work.
May 25, 2025 at 11:39 AM
The analysis explores how Smyth combines symphonic and operatic elements to create a transgressive retelling of Brewster’s story.
Smyth splits the main character in Brewster’s tale, a Prisoner, into two characters, the Prisoner and his Soul, who interact in a variety of dialogues across the work.
Smyth splits the main character in Brewster’s tale, a Prisoner, into two characters, the Prisoner and his Soul, who interact in a variety of dialogues across the work.
I might be most excited about the chapter on Ethel Smyth’s late work The Prison. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the work.
Smyth adapts a metaphysical story from her close friend Henry Brewster.
Smyth adapts a metaphysical story from her close friend Henry Brewster.
May 25, 2025 at 11:37 AM
I might be most excited about the chapter on Ethel Smyth’s late work The Prison. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the work.
Smyth adapts a metaphysical story from her close friend Henry Brewster.
Smyth adapts a metaphysical story from her close friend Henry Brewster.
Symphonic Spectacles integrates large-scale formal mixture and histories of identity and reception in case studies of six symphonic works of the early twentieth century.
Table of contents below!
Table of contents below!
May 23, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Symphonic Spectacles integrates large-scale formal mixture and histories of identity and reception in case studies of six symphonic works of the early twentieth century.
Table of contents below!
Table of contents below!
It’s publication day!
Symphonic Spectacles is officially out today with Oxford University Press @oxfordacademic.bsky.social
I couldn’t be more thrilled with how the book came out! You can find it for purchase at the link below, or read online with Oxford Academic.
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Symphonic Spectacles is officially out today with Oxford University Press @oxfordacademic.bsky.social
I couldn’t be more thrilled with how the book came out! You can find it for purchase at the link below, or read online with Oxford Academic.
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
May 23, 2025 at 12:29 PM
It’s publication day!
Symphonic Spectacles is officially out today with Oxford University Press @oxfordacademic.bsky.social
I couldn’t be more thrilled with how the book came out! You can find it for purchase at the link below, or read online with Oxford Academic.
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Symphonic Spectacles is officially out today with Oxford University Press @oxfordacademic.bsky.social
I couldn’t be more thrilled with how the book came out! You can find it for purchase at the link below, or read online with Oxford Academic.
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Made it to Amsterdam! Visiting with some family, and very excited to attend the Mahler Festival this week at the Concertgebouw!
May 11, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Made it to Amsterdam! Visiting with some family, and very excited to attend the Mahler Festival this week at the Concertgebouw!
And they finished with a superbly virtuosic recital of Duos and Trios by living composers including Aaron Travers, Clay Mettens, David Hier, David Liptak, and Margaret Brouwer.
I’m immensely grateful for their generosity, sharing their expertise and artistry with Miami’s Music Department!
I’m immensely grateful for their generosity, sharing their expertise and artistry with Miami’s Music Department!
April 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
And they finished with a superbly virtuosic recital of Duos and Trios by living composers including Aaron Travers, Clay Mettens, David Hier, David Liptak, and Margaret Brouwer.
I’m immensely grateful for their generosity, sharing their expertise and artistry with Miami’s Music Department!
I’m immensely grateful for their generosity, sharing their expertise and artistry with Miami’s Music Department!
They presented an engaging lecture, “New Music, Meaning and Context,” with support from the @miamiuniversity.bsky.social Humanities Center, and graciously visited with our composition students for a Q&A.
April 26, 2025 at 2:57 PM
They presented an engaging lecture, “New Music, Meaning and Context,” with support from the @miamiuniversity.bsky.social Humanities Center, and graciously visited with our composition students for a Q&A.
What a special residency from the founders and members of the American Wild Ensemble this week! @danielketter.com, Emlyn Johnson, and Ellen Breakfield-Glick taught me, my colleagues, and our students a ton about thematic programming, community partnerships, and funding for innovative arts projects!
April 26, 2025 at 2:54 PM
What a special residency from the founders and members of the American Wild Ensemble this week! @danielketter.com, Emlyn Johnson, and Ellen Breakfield-Glick taught me, my colleagues, and our students a ton about thematic programming, community partnerships, and funding for innovative arts projects!
I’m excited to present research from my forthcoming book, Symphonic Spectacles, at the Society for American Music conference this week in Tacoma, WA.
I’ll be part of what looks to be a terrific session on Friday, I hope you’ll come hear all of these excellent presentations!
I’ll be part of what looks to be a terrific session on Friday, I hope you’ll come hear all of these excellent presentations!
March 17, 2025 at 4:37 PM
I’m excited to present research from my forthcoming book, Symphonic Spectacles, at the Society for American Music conference this week in Tacoma, WA.
I’ll be part of what looks to be a terrific session on Friday, I hope you’ll come hear all of these excellent presentations!
I’ll be part of what looks to be a terrific session on Friday, I hope you’ll come hear all of these excellent presentations!
Very excited to have received proofs for my book Symphonic Spectacles, coming this spring with Oxford University Press!
Details below:
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Details below:
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
January 26, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Very excited to have received proofs for my book Symphonic Spectacles, coming this spring with Oxford University Press!
Details below:
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Details below:
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Relatedly, 2025 will welcome my first book:
Symphonic Spectacles: Form, Identity, and Hybridity in the Early Twentieth Century
Coming out at Oxford University Press this spring!
Details here: global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Symphonic Spectacles: Form, Identity, and Hybridity in the Early Twentieth Century
Coming out at Oxford University Press this spring!
Details here: global.oup.com/academic/pro...
January 2, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Relatedly, 2025 will welcome my first book:
Symphonic Spectacles: Form, Identity, and Hybridity in the Early Twentieth Century
Coming out at Oxford University Press this spring!
Details here: global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Symphonic Spectacles: Form, Identity, and Hybridity in the Early Twentieth Century
Coming out at Oxford University Press this spring!
Details here: global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Made a plan to read three fiction books in 2024 (since it had been many years since I’d read any….) Ended up reading a dozen. Two real highlights from last year:
The Parisian (Isabella Hammad)
The Annual Banquet of the Gravedigger’s Guild (Mathias Énard)
Looking forward to new stories in 2025!
The Parisian (Isabella Hammad)
The Annual Banquet of the Gravedigger’s Guild (Mathias Énard)
Looking forward to new stories in 2025!
January 2, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Made a plan to read three fiction books in 2024 (since it had been many years since I’d read any….) Ended up reading a dozen. Two real highlights from last year:
The Parisian (Isabella Hammad)
The Annual Banquet of the Gravedigger’s Guild (Mathias Énard)
Looking forward to new stories in 2025!
The Parisian (Isabella Hammad)
The Annual Banquet of the Gravedigger’s Guild (Mathias Énard)
Looking forward to new stories in 2025!
Thanksgiving break project number 1 complete.
November 26, 2024 at 7:06 PM
Thanksgiving break project number 1 complete.