Digital Commons Network^™

Comparing Editorial And Artificially Generated Fingerings: A Case Study, Lixi Qin

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Fingering is crucial for piano performance. Unlike other instruments with relatively fixed fingerings, keyboard instruments offer countless fingering combinations. As musical styles have evolved, so too have the instruments themselves, resulting in a rich history of diverse fingering systems, which sometimes conflict with one another. Moreover, due to individual differences in hand shape and size, the fingering advice from editors or teachers may not be universally applicable, and there is a lack of an objective, unified standard for validating these recommendations.

For students who do not fully understand fingering principles and have not been exposed to a wide range of …

An Analysis Of William Bolcom's "Three Classical Rags", Thomas A. Owens

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This document aims to provide insight into William Bolcom’s Three Classical Rags through harmonic and formal analysis of each rag, investigating the ways in which they fulfill or subvert the expectations of ragtime. The study begins with a description of the harmonic language, form, and metric structure typical of ragtime composers like Scott Joplin and Joseph Lamb. Examples of rags that maintain these characteristics are The Entertainer by Joplin, Heliotrope Bouquet by Louis Chauvin and Joplin, and Top Liner Rag by Lamb. Analysis of Bolcom’s Three Classical Rags ensues, exploring the ways they both honor and subvert the expectations …

Preserving The Historic And Cultural Music Of Louisiana Through School Music: An Ethnographic Case Study, Christopher S. Song

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this ethnographic case study was to examine the lives of teachers, students, community members, and culture bearers within a musical community located in South Central Louisiana. The geographic area of focus in this research was Vermilion Parish and its surrounding area, known as Acadiana, the heart of Creole and Cajun culture where Traditional Louisiana Music finds its origins. Participants’ intrinsic cultural understandings of Louisiana’s music and impact on school music programs was examined through ethnographic interview and observation. A resource pedagogy known as funds of knowledge was used as a theoretical framework meant to maintain participants’ intrinsic …

It’S Britney, Bitch, Mary Hyepock

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation engages public rhetorics surrounding pop princess Britney Spears as a case study for examining the rhetoricity of bodily autonomy. Bodily autonomy is commonly understood as the legal right to control what happens to one’s body without external influence or coercion. However, one’s legal access to bodily autonomy is produced, negotiated, and maintained through discourse. In other words, one’s access to so-called “ownership” over their body and agency to make decisions about it is deeply tied to the gendered and racialized symbolic production of citizenship in the United States. Utilizing a reproductive justice framework, I investigate how Britney Spears’ …

Vibrato Rate And Extent In The Baritone Voice Through The Twentieth And Early Twenty-First Century, Scott Purcell

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Observations of vibrato rate and extent through the twentieth and early twenty-first century point to an overall decrease in rate and increase in extent. This descriptive analysis studied fifty-five randomly selected recordings of professional operatic baritones, five from each decade from 1910 to 2021, and analyzed their vibrato rate and extent with VoceVista Video Pro. Results showed a consistent decrease in mean vibrato rate from 1910 to 1960, with small increases and decreases from 1960-2021. Vibrato extent was less consistent, but still increased from 1910-2021. The mean vibrato rate was 5.84 Herz (Hz), with a coefficient of variation (CV) of …

An Analysis Of The Musical Gestures In Osvaldo Golijov’S The Dreams And Prayers Of Isaac The Blind And Their Relationship To The Kabbalah Sefirot, Jeremy Gdaniec

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Osvlado Golijov’s The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind, scored for klezmer clarinet and string quartet, remains one of his most influential works since its premier in 1994. Inspiration for the work came from the writings of Rabbi Isaac the Blind, a prominent 13^th century figurehead in the branch of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah. In Kabbalah, symbols known as the sefirot are emanations of creation and the key to unlocking the divine secrets of the God-head. The analysis presented in this document combines musical gesture theory with Kabbalistic concepts for new perspectives on Golijov’s …

Seeking A Uniform Approach To Trumpet Sound Concept, Coleman T. Scott

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

One of the most challenging aspects of trumpet playing that pedagogues must teach is how to produce a professional tone. Trumpet students are often good musicians, play correct notes and rhythms, and even have proficient technique. However, many are unable to consistently produce a tone comparable to that of a professional. There are a number of methods that can be utilized to improve a student’s tone quality. In my own teaching and in the teaching of many professionals, tone concept has been used as a catalyst for the improvement of tone quality. A students’ exposure to a professional-quality trumpet tone …

A Study Of Selected Vocal Works By Shande Ding: The Mysterious Sound Of Flute And Poems On Western Yunnan, Chuyan Luo

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study aims to delve into and interpret “The Mysterious Sound of Flute” and “Poems on Western Yunnan” from a singer’s perspective while also providing guidance and recommendations for other performers. The research encompasses the history of Chinese art songs, a biography of Shande Ding, and an introduction to his compositional style. A comprehensive examination of each song includes background information, song analysis, translation, a Chinese lyric diction guide, and performance suggestions.

Art songs constitute a significant genre in music composition, and Chinese art songs have yielded numerous outstanding composers and captivating works over the years. Among these composers, Shande …

Soundscape - A Guided Approach To Post-Tonal Horn Repertoire, Selena B. Boyda

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

More modern post-tonal works are being composed and it is imperative that horn players interpret the music as accurately as possible. Analyzing the music is a way one can interpret the music accurately. The purpose of this research is to develop a guided approach for interpretation of post-tonal horn repertoire using analytical techniques. Selected works analyzed and used are Olivier Messiaen’s “Appel Interstellaire,” Stanley Friedman’s Topanga Variations, and Jenni Brandon’s Dawn. Analytical techniques used include set theory, limited modes of transposition, contour relations, motivic patterns, modal analysis, and motifs.

City Boy By Judd Greenstein: A Transcription From Chamber Quintet To Full Wind Band, Emmanuel Rodriguez

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The goal of this project is to create a wind band transcription of the chamber work City Boy by Judd Greenstein. Greenstein describes his own music as being “built on contrasts and juxtapositions between the jittery, competing pulses of the New York City streets where he grew up and the placid landscapes of the rural farm land he now calls home.”1 His music is also influenced by his passion for contemporary popular music genres, specifically hip-hop and rap. This duality is a major aspect of Greenstein’s musical language, which he describes as “a genre- fluid musical infrastructures that endeavors to …

Introducing Chinese Folk Songs Through Arrangements For Trombone & Piano And Chamber Music, Tianyu Xue

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The scarcity of trombone in traditional Chinese music reflects the limited exposure and education for the trombone in China. Additionally, Chinese folk songs have minimal presence on the global stage. This project will bridge this gap by developing a series of trombone pieces that incorporate Chinese musical elements, explicitly focusing on elevating Chinese folk songs through trombone performance. This initiative offers an opportunity for trombonists worldwide to delve into the richness of Chinese folk music. The core of this work involves selecting Chinese folk songs that represent diverse historical contexts, regional characteristics, and emotional content and then arranging them for …

Unveiling The Idiomatic And Performance Inspirations: A Comparative Study Of The Red Violin Caprices By John Corigliano., Johan Alexander Pepper

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

John Corigliano's composition for "The Red Violin," a 1998 film by Don McKellar and François Girard, presents a multifaceted exploration of thematic material and performance challenges. This dissertation investigates Corigliano's creation of the "Red Violin" Caprices, examining their origins in the film's soundtrack and their transformation into solo works. Corigliano's intention to showcase the artistry of violinist Joshua Bell through these caprices underscores their technical and musical complexity. The Caprices, replete with references to the Baroque era and various virtuosic works, demand a high level of virtuosity from performers. Drawing on a sequence of seven chords and Anna’s Theme from …

Sequencing Orchestral Repertoire For Collegiate Orchestras: Addressing The Educational Needs Of Students In Various Stages Of Development, Cheuk Nok Francis Ku

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Sequencing is a fundamental aspect of music education, not only in individual instrumental teaching but also in large-ensemble instruction. Collegiate orchestras, like other educational ensembles, experience turnover of students each academic year, and face unique challenges in repertoire selection due to the diverse skill levels and experience of their members. This document presents a case study of the LSU Symphony Orchestra program spanning from 2021 to 2024, and complements a performance featuring works by Amy Beach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Joseph Haydn, and José Pablo Moncayo. The document also delved into the study of performance practice during the Classical period and …

A Study Of Select Arias From Three Obscure Operas By Antonio Vivaldi: ‘Ottone In Villa,’ ‘Arsilda, Regina Di Ponto,’ And ‘Il Farnace’, Qinan Cai

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This paper provides an analysis of select compositional tools found in chosen arias from Antonio Vivaldi’s lesser-known operas, Ottone in Villa RV 729, Arsilda, Regina di Ponto RV 700, and Farnace RV 711. It aims to illuminate Vivaldi’s exploration of human emotions and relationships through his music. The research focuses on select arias from each opera, emphasizing Vivaldi’s compositional style, use of sequential patterns, development of harmonic shifts in the music, and the inclusion of the Lombardic rhythm. In addition, commentary is included regarding the application of modal principles, and rhythmic speech patterns. The study also offers historical context and …

Maria Rosa Ribas Monné: A Case Study, Rebeca Lemos Gonzalez

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the musical legacy of Catalan composer Maria Rosa Ribas Monné, emphasizing the influence of the Catalan context on her compositions and recognizing the contributions of Spanish women in music, particularly in cello music. Through an in-depth exploration of Maria Rosa's life, musical perspective, and analysis of her works "Faust", "Disperato,"and "Record d'una música," this study unveils pivotal insights into her artistic journey. Additionally, it includes a comprehensive catalogue of her compositions, providing a detailed overview of her musical output.

The dissertation begins by examining how M. Rosa Ribas' deep connection to Catalan culture, influenced by poet Màrius …

Exploring The Spanish Pianistic Landscape: A Study On Salvador Brotons's Solo Piano Works, Angela P. Gonzalez Gimenez

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation delves into the figure of Spanish composer Salvador Brotons, focusing on his solo piano works, particularly his Piano Sonata, Op. 124. Through performative and music theory analyses, it aims to deepen musicians' understanding of Brotons's compositional style, providing insights into his musical language and influences. Key questions addressed include Brotons's compositional style, influences in his music, and the necessary insights for effective performance. Brotons, a multifaceted musician, excels not only as a composer but also as an instrumentalist, conductor, and educator, enriching each role with his diverse expertise. The study concentrates on his piano compositions while acknowledging …

What Is Eai? A Short History Of The Style’S Evolution And Development Of Identifiable Characteristics, Dylan Burchett

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

EAI (Electro-Acoustic Improvisation) has long presented issues pertaining to its definition and practice. This is due to the wide range of acoustic and electronic sounds present in the style as well as the style’s stated adherence to improvisation. This stated adherence to improvisation and wide potential range of acoustic and electronic sounds seem to clash with EAI’s stylistic consistencies. Because the EAI style has been difficult to define, it has also been difficult to place historically within experimental music traditions. In order to clarify the definition, practice, and historical positioning of EAI and identify where the style’s boundary lines around …

"In The Footsteps Of Hercules": The Influence Of Classical Antiquity On Eighteenth-Century Militaries, Scott Madere

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This project examines the pervasive influence of ancient Roman and Greek figures, historical events, literature, and military methods on the leaders and practitioners of eighteenth-century warfare. Rulers, generals, military theorists, and officers frequently consulted classical histories and literature for solutions to the common military problems of the period – tactical, operational, and strategic – showing remarkable faith in ancient military methods despite their growing dependence on gunpowder weaponry and related technologies. This dissertation examines why this was the case and concludes that classical antiquity not only maintained the credibility of its wisdom in the context of modern warfare, but also …

Producing Digital Reflections Of Reality Through Intercultural Filmmaking And Multisensory Engagement, Trai Thomas

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This thesis analyzes the author’s production of three intercultural, multisensory films situated in New Orleans, encompassing elements both narrative and documentary genres. Intercultural cinema exists in a setting where people of different cultural backgrounds live together in power-inflicted spaces of diaspora, colonialism, and cultural apartheid and the development of the story is centered around exoticism, fetishization, and fascination with the other (Marks 2007, 1). Multisensory media primarily engages through visual perception and auditory input, which create cultural knowledge stored as long-term memory files in the brain (Marks 2007).

In Search Of The Armorial Aesthetic: The Counter-Reform Of Ariano Suassuna And The Compositional Techniques In Clovis Pereira’S Suite Macambira, Wagner De Oliveira Duarte

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, in the wake of the Week of Modern Art in São Paulo in 1922, Brazil grappled with defining its national identity, distinct from European influences. While eminent figures such as Villa-Lobos, Camargo Guarnieri, and Francisco Mignone provided foundational narratives in this quest, the Armorial movement emerged as a unique and emblematic response to these nationalistic aspirations.

Originating from the creative vision of Ariano Suassuna, the Armorial movement, though often perceived as a regional initiative, epitomized a broader endeavor to represent Brazil's diverse cultural tapestry. Central to understanding this movement is the work …

Death, Dreaming, And Diaspora: Achieving Orientation Through Afro-Spirituality, Liz Johnston, Jaime Elizabeth Johnston

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Enslavement, colonization, and the systems that uphold racial injustice were and still are a series of new, unfathomable, and challenging experiences that prompt individuals within the diaspora to seek orientation. How does a human cope with centuries of attempts at the systematic destruction of their humanity, culture, and identity? How can they reclaim that identity, especially when so much of it seems lost? I address these questions by utilizing texts from the expansive body of work regarding ethnographic-historical-religious studies on Afro-spiritual practices to better analyze instances in literature in the ongoing practice of diasporic orientation. In this project, I argue …

Time, Place, & Purpose: The Performance Of Creole Identity In Louisiana, Rachel N. Aker

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Though much of the early development of Louisiana Creole culture can be found in New Orleans, the culture spread and continued to grow throughout the rest of South Louisiana in both similar and different ways. Expanding beyond Joseph Roach’s treatment of Creole cultural performances in New Orleans in Cities of the Dead (1996) and journeying across land and water, this project identifies more Creole cultural performance as they emerge across place and time. I present Louisiana and the Gulf South as a kind of inland archipelago, with the currents of culture-creation moving in and around distinct community enclaves. The flow …