Music Commons^™

The Guitar And Hausmusik In The Late 18th And Early 19th Centuries, Jeremy Polley

Theses and Dissertations

While being one of the most popular instruments in Western culture, the guitar has received relatively little scholarly attention. Music historians particularly overlook the guitar and its impact upon the development of music. Writings about the Hausmusik tradition that existed around the turn of the nineteenth century, however, suggest that the guitar was an important part of amateur music making. Analysis of publisher’s catalogs from the period also indicate the existence of a thriving guitar culture at the time. By performing a comparative analysis on works based on a theme by Giovanni Paisello from Fernando Sor and Mauro Giuliani, a …

Their Meister's Voice: Nazi Reception Of Richard Wagner And His Works In The Völkischer Beobachter, David B. Dennis

History: Faculty Publications and Other Works

A detailed examination of Richard Wagner's reception in Nazi Germany.

The Prepared Flute: A Survey Of Its History, Techniques, And Repertoire, Stacey Lee Russell

Theses and Dissertations

Beginning with Varese’s Density 21.5 in 1936, composers have been experimenting with extended techniques to expand the flute’s range of sound. In an attempt to increase the timbral possibilities of the instrument, contemporary composers are writing for the prepared flute: adding objects on or inside the flute, or subtracting parts of the flute to alter its sound.

is the first written document to focus on the prepared flute. Deborah Fethers, in her major project discussing contemporary flute design in 2005, mentions the use of prepared flute by Michael Pestel, and states that “to my knowledge the only use of such …

Most Recommended Choral Music: A Survey Of High School State Choral Festival Repertoire Lists, James B. Watson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study is to determine the most frequently listed choral selections on state choral festival repertoire lists and to survey state repertoire directors regarding their opinions of the most important literature for high school choral students. Five questions guided this research: What are the most frequently listed works on state repertoire lists? Which styles do repertoire directors indicate as most important for a vocal music education? Is there any relationship between the compilation of literature and the state repertoire directors’ opinions regarding the importance of specific styles? What is the process for adding works to state …

The Influence Of Romantic Poetry On The Career And Music Of Nicolas Medtner, Denise Rudell

Theses and Dissertations

Nicolas Medtner was a composer born out of his time. He was a true Romantic in the Russian Silver Age and his creative ideology owes much to the Romantic poetry that he was devoted to all his life. This poetry put a decisive stamp on his music and influenced his career decisions. Medtner was exposed to the most renowned literature from an early age. Influenced by his father, and his oldest brother Emil, he developed a lifelong love for literature and especially poetry. Literary connections are apparent throughout Medtner’s music, including (and not limited to) references to Goethe, Pushkin, Lermontov, …

The Original Wind Band Music Of Ulysses Kay: A Conductor’S Guide, Tremon B. Kizer

Theses and Dissertations

Ulysses S. Kay (1917–1995) was one of the most prolific African American composers in the twentieth century, with over forty orchestral works, five operas, over forty choral compositions, and seven original works for wind band. Notable conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Frederick Fennell, Thor Johnson, Zubin Mehta, and Leopold Stokowski performed his works. Kay earned several prestigious awards for his compositions in genres outside of wind band, including two Prix de Rome selections, a Guggenheim fellowship, and six honorary doctorates. Even with his numerous accolades and a compositional output totaling more than 135 works, Kay has become one of the …

The Choral Music Of Keaton Lee Scott With A Conductor’S Analysis Of Requiem, Damion Womack

Theses and Dissertations

In addition to the analysis of Requiem by K. Lee Scott, this document provides biographical information and compositional style characteristics. The study was informed by frequent correspondences and multiple interviews with the composer. It is the author’s desire that this study will inspire and prepare other conductors to program this excellent composition, and encourage greater study of other accessible choral works by K. Lee Scott.

Paul Jacobs, Elliott Carter, And An Overview Of Selected Stylistic Aspects Of Night Fantasies, Alan Michael Rudell

Theses and Dissertations

This study concerns the life and career of Paul Jacobs, focusing in particular on the role Jacobs played in bringing about new American works for piano in the second half of the twentieth century. Jacobs was a key figure in the New York new music scene of the 1960s and 1970s and a personal friend to many composers who were active during this period. The study provides an overview of historical events which brought about the musical climate of late twentieth century America, a climate that was not entirely hospitable to native-born American composers. It examines Jacobs’ collaboration with Elliott …

The Music Of Nicola Ferro: A Description And Performance Guide To Tetralogy Of The Sun Suite And Annotated Guide To Published Works, Bradley James Keesler

Theses and Dissertations

The subject of this research document is the music of Italian trombonist and composer Nicola Ferro (b. 1974). The main purpose of this document is an attempt to initiate scholarly research of Ferro and his compositions. While much of his music has been performed and recorded by some of the world’s greatest musicians (most notably Joseph Alessi, New York Philharmonic Principal Trombonist), there is very little written research on the subject of Ferro or his music.

Part of this document will serve as a performance guide to one of his most important compositions, the Tetralogy of the Sun Suite for …

Teaching Music History With Your Mouth Shut, Anne Stone

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Understanding Of Authentic Performance Practice In Bright Sheng's "Seven Tunes Heard In China" For Solo Cello, Chiao-Hsuan Kang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This document will attempt to put Bright Sheng's "Seven Tunes Heard in China" in a context of solo works for the cello that follows a universal tradition of concert works based on folk music and dance style. In this case, these seven works emanate from seven diverse regions of China, and all represent a different style and character which Sheng has translated to a single work for solo cello. Based on preexisting models of folk song tradition, I am seeking parallels between the work of Mr. Sheng and the original traditions behind this composition. I will discuss the various regional …

A Swann's Song In Middle-Earth: An Exploration Of Donald Swann's "The Road Goes Ever On" And The Development Of A System Of Lyric Diction For Tolkien's Constructed, Elvish Languages, Richard Garrett Leonberger

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Donald Swann is best known for his long-time collaboration with lyricist and singer Michael Flanders, with whom he served as composer, pianist and fellow singer. He composed many other serious works beyond the Flanders and Swann collaboration, including song cycles, operas, masses and other choral repertoire. This study explores one example of Swann’s classical repertory: "The Road Goes Ever On: A Song Cycle," a collection of nine musical settings of texts by J. R. R. Tolkien, author of "The Lord of the Rings." Beginning with biographical and stylistic synopses of both the composer and the poet, subsequent chapters include: an …

Aquell Estiu Del 66. L'Actuació De Merce Cunnigham A Sitges, Ara Fa 50 Anys, Antoni Pizà

Publications and Research

El desembarcament a Sitges de la MCDC ara fa cinquanta anys exactes, es considera un punt crucial en la cultura catalana i espanyola tant en art com en música. Carles Santos ha titllat aquella actuació de «traumàtica» pel que va suposar per a la música espanyola. I a més a més, molts estudis erudits recents sobre l’art conceptual, la música electrònica i la dansa experimental consideren l’actuació a Sitges com un dels inicis de tots aquests moviments a l’estat espanyol. Al final, Clive Barnes va acabar per tenir raó: al Departament d’Estat l’havia subvencionat un pintor europeu, almenys la gira …

Uisce: Compositional Explorations For Various Ensembles, James May

Senior Independent Study Theses

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Real-Time Visual Feedback Training On Vocal Control, Justeena N. Zaki-Azat

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Trained singers have better vocal control when compared to singers without vocal training. The development of precise vocal control, like any motor skill, requires practice with some form of feedback, such as auditory feedback. In addition to auditory feedback, singing training programs use online visual feedback to improve performance accuracy. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the recent body of literature concerning the cognitive processing of vocal control, and apply this knowledge practically to develop an effective real-time visual feedback training program that enhances vocal control. In the first of two studies, non-singers and singers were randomly assigned …

Joyce's Musical Doublespeak, James May

Senior Independent Study Theses

No abstract provided.

Jordan Boehm In Recital, Jordan Boehm

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This recital was presented in accordance with the University of Northern Iowa’s requirements for the Masters of Music degree in performance. It was held in Davis Hall on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa on February 25, 2016. Jordan Boehm, trumpet, performed with collaborators Daniel Meier, Dr. Polina Khatsko, Dr. Anthony Williams, Dr. Tina Su, and Dr. Jesse Orth. The requirements stipulate that a full-length recital (approximately sixty minutes in total duration) must be presented by the student to demonstrate ability on his instrument as well as knowledge and understanding of repertoire. To meet with expectations, the pieces …

A Master's Recital In Clarinet, Stacia Kay Fortune

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Stacia Kay Fortune performed a graduate clarinet recital at 6 o’clock in the evening on Friday, February 26, 2016 in Davis Hall at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. The recital was presented in partial fulfillment of a Master of Music in clarinet performance. The program opened with Mozart’s Parto! Ma tu ben Mio, an aria for soprano and clarinet obbligato from La Clemenza di Tito. The second piece on the first half was Claude Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsodie for clarinet and piano. Following intermission, the later part of the twentieth century was explored beginning with Shulamit Ran’s For an Actor: …

Music As A Means Of Connecting, Understanding, And Being Understood, Michael Chase Dickerson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The recital described in this abstract is the result of an active engagement with friends and acquaintances in artistic fields—students and teachers, performers, composers, and audience members, authors, poets, and painters. Some of the pieces included are abstract, in that they are neither programmatic nor texted, but every piece is, in another sense, concrete, because my music is a representation of the creative intelligences of a community, which together produce something real and embodied. My music is intended to be a centerpiece for interaction, a means of connecting with and understanding one another in a way that is perhaps unique …

Music Composition, Spencer Snyder

Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Music For Caroline: Including Students With Autism In The Elementary General Music Classroom, Meredith B. Dayoub

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose ofthis paper is to research and analyze the history ofspecial education, special education in music, and Autism. The goal is to provide elementary general music educators with a detailed understanding ofthe history ofspecial education and ways to modify lessons to accommodate students with special needs, specifically Autism. Through an analysis of special education history and the legislation that has impacted special education, music educators may find new ways to teach students of varying learning levels. Understanding the medical definition and characteristics of Autism should help educators modify existing lessons or develop new lessons that allow all students, including …

Finding Meaning In Detachment: An Analysis Of Kevin Volans' Asanga, Jordan Taylor Walsh

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the undeniable importance of Kevin Volans' music, there has been little academic research done on his work. This is especially true of his pieces for percussion. This paper both dissects the form and structure Volans' piece for multiple percussion Asanga and explores the different interpretations by players from around the world that have contributed to the accepted performance practice for the piece. The ultimate goal of this project is to achieve a detailed understanding of how Asanga works and record this knowledge for the benefit of any future percussionists who add the piece to their repertoire.

A Grading Catalogue Of Selected Works For Solo Trombone And Piano, Brent Michael Mead

Honors Program Theses

The current status of graded repertoire lists for trombonists is almost nonexistent. Selecting works for students can be difficult especially when you are unfamiliar with the large body of solo literature. I created a list of solo trombone works all graded with the same system in which students and teachers could utilize when selecting new pieces of music to perform. Teachers could more readily find new pieces for their students to study by using this grading scale. It can be difficult for trombone teachers to find easier solo literature for students because of the fact that most works that are …

Master's Recital In Jazz Pedagogy: A Performance-Demonstration Of Rhythm Section Instruments, Compositions And Arrangements By Josh Hakanson, Josh Hakanson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This recital is presented to demonstrate skills and competencies on the rhythm section instruments piano, bass, and drums, as well as showcase compositions and arrangements by the recitalist. The study of the rhythm section instruments has been a valuable asset to my teaching and allowed me to expand my knowledge of how these instruments are used in a functional jazz context. The study of jazz composition and arranging techniques has also supplemented my teaching skills and given me the satisfaction of both writing and performing my own works. Though this recital is not a comprehensive overview of my study at …

Graduate Recital In Conducting, John Chiles

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This abstract describes the graduate recital of John Chiles which was performed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Music degree in conducting. The recital was presented in two separate concerts: the first on October 22, 2015 at 7:30 pm, and the second on November 11, 2015 at 7:30 pm. Both concerts employed the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra, and the November concert also included the Northern Iowa Youth Orchestra. The concerts were performed in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus. The primary goal of the recital was to demonstrate knowledge of …

Graduate Voice Recital, Kayla Kjeldseth

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Kayla Kjeldseth, soprano, presented her graduate voice recital on Thursday, March 24th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in Davis Hall of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa campus. The recital was given with collaborative pianist, Korey Barrett, and included works by Mendelssohn, Marx, Gluck, Puccini, and Griffes.

To Make A Better Music School, Alissandra Henkle

Honors Program Theses

This paper seeks to examine the elements that make an effective and high quality School of Music that prepares students for success beyond graduation. Through interviews with University of Northern Iowa (UNI) School of Music faculty, a deeper understanding of the skills and knowledge currently emphasized in the music core at UNI was gained. A survey of UNI School of Music alumni provided an understanding of how well the current mix of skills and knowledge align with those that are necessary in the work force. Through this research, an understanding of the skills and knowledge required to work in the …

Exploration Of Empfindsamer Stil: The Creation And Performance Of An Informed Performance Edition Of Cpe Bach's Concerto In D Minor For Flute And Orchestra, Emily C. Bicknese

Honors Program Theses

Through research of the unique Empfindsamer stil (“sensitive style”) developed by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, I have constructed an informed performance edition for the second movement, “Un poco andante,” of Bach’s Concerto in D minor for Flute and Orchestra according to the performance practices of the era. The slow movement allows the greatest possibilities for embellishment and stylistic interpretation. For the second movement performance edition, I have written exact musical notation for the solo flute line, including ornamentation, articulation, phrasing, dynamics, tempo, and an original cadenza. All notations have been based on performance practices of the Empfindsamer stil. In the …

Schubert: The Musical Poet Sonata D 959 And Its Pianistic Challenges, Natalia Gardner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Schubert composed the last three piano sonatas in September of 1828, and these works represent the peak of the composer's achievement in the sonata genre. Schubert's distinctive style lies in his compositional voice, which originated in his lieder, but projected equally well to the medium of piano and other instrumental works.

Some research on pianistic challenges and my own experience playing the sonata have been applied to better understand and experience the depth of Schubert's music on a fuller scale. I have found that the particular challenge of the A Major Sonata in D 959 is the extended length …

Observations Of Music And Literacy In Early Childhood Education, Ann Strom

Honors Program Theses

Students spend as many as nineteen years in a classroom by the time they are twenty-two. They have countless teachers who all teach in a different style and say that it is the best way for their students to learn. Students have experienced classrooms where they are given a lecture for an hour and then expected to know and understand the content when the test comes. They have also experienced classrooms where they are up and moving, creating models, doing research, or conducting experiments, throughout the class to come to an understanding to share with their peers on the topic …