Music Performance Commons^™

Chord Conundrum: Examining The Performance Practice Of Polyphonic Figures In J.S. Bach's Solo Violin Works, Emily Vold

Theses and Dissertations

Interpreting and expressing the musical intentions of a composer in an informed manner requires great dedication and study on the part of a performer. This holds particularly true in the case of music written well before the present age, where direct connections to the thoughts of the composer and even the styles of the era have faded with the passing of time. Violinists today consistently struggle with studying and performing a set of works from the musical period referred to by scholars as the Baroque era (1600-1750), the Sonatas and Partitas for Violin without Bass accompaniment, composed by Johann Sebastian …

An Analysis Of The Career And Solo Style Of Jazz Trombonist Carl Fontana, John Wesley Parker

Dissertations

Carl Fontana’s ability and creativity as a jazz trombonist is held in high regard by his contemporaries, as well as by those who followed him. The significant aspects of his career were highlighted in a brief biography with historical and anecdotal information provided by jazz trombonists who new him and were influenced by him. Fontana’s solo style was analyzed and compared through transcriptions of three improvisations performed during contrasting points in his career: “Intermission Riff” from 1956, “Just Friends” from 1978, and “It Might As Well Be Spring” from 1985. His influence on the jazz trombone community was discussed through …

Johannes Brahms & Richard Mühlfeld: Sonata In F Minor For Clarinet & Piano, Op. 120 No. 1, Emily Tyndall

Theses and Dissertations

Johannes Brahms (1883-1897) originally planned to retire from composing after completing his String Quintet in G Major ("Prater"), Op. 111. However, his mind was quickly changed after being inspired by the performances of Meiningen clarinetist Richard Miihlfeld (1859-1907). Brahms enjoyed Miihlfeld's interpretation of the Weber's clarinet works, especially the Quintet, and was impressed by his ability to move easily between the different registers of the instrument. Because of the way Miihlfeld inspired him, Brahms was able to produce the Clarinet Quintet, the Clarinet Trio, and two Clarinet Sonatas, all of which have become a vital part of the instrument's repertoire. …

The Music Of Jerry Sieg: A Descriptive Catalogue Of His Piano Music And An Analysis Of The Five Miniatures For Piano, Nuria Mariela Royas

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to present the solo piano music of the American composer Jerry Sieg, whose output includes works for orchestra, voice, opera, chorus, and numerous compositions for solo instruments.

It opens with the biography of the composer, including information concerning bis musical training, followed by a brief survey of his solo piano works. A discussion of his compositional style in his Five Miniatures for Piano, written in 1994 for the American pianist Marian Lee, is also included in this work. The analysis of the Five Miniatures for Piano in Chapter IV presents a detailed analysis of …

A Comparative Analysis Of Roman Palester's Concertino Pour Saxophone Alto Et Orchestre A Cordes, Brian Donald Kauth

Dissertations

The music of Roman Palester (1907-1989) is little known outside his native Poland. Before World War II, he experienced a great deal of musical success, with many of his compositions being performed at prestigious music festivals throughout Europe. Palester completed his one solo work for the saxophone, the Concertino pour Saxophone Alto et Orchestre a Cordes, in 1938, but its scheduled premiere in 1939 never took place due to political tensions on the eve of World War II.

In 1978, Palester revised the work for saxophonist David Pituch, who premiered and recorded this version. A comparison of the original and …

Microtonality As An Expressive Device: An 
Approach
 For 
The 
Contemporary 
Saxophonist, Seán Mac Erlaine

Dissertations

This dissertation provides a critical examination of the use of microtonality as an expressive tool for the improvising saxophonist and offers a new method for quarter-tone production drawing on cultural references from European art music, Arabic Maqam and Contemporary Jazz. The thesis is underpinned by an historical, musicological analysis of tuning systems and theory necessary for the performer of microtonal music. The dissertation is presented in three chapters. In Chapter One, a discussion of tuning theory and a history of temperament systems contextualises the current uses of equal temperament and extensions of it including the quarter-tone tempered system. Chapter Two …

Beethoven Sonata For Piano And Cello, Op. 69 In A Major: A Linear Analysis, John A. Musick Jr

Theses and Dissertations

The Classical Sonata Form is not to be thought of in terms of the formal sections it can be broken into. Unlike other musical forms, the Sonata Form has less to do with its formal architecture and more to do with the linear progression and development of themes. Composers in this style did not approach the form in terms of the three sections it contains, though they did maintain these groups. There first needed to be an exposition where two contrasting themes, or keys, are presented. Next, there was a development where themes are broken down and several key areas …

Brigadoon: Lerner And Loewe's Scotland, Jennifer Oates

Publications and Research

Since the 1950s, Brigadoon has been accepted as a representation of Scotland. Brigadoon’s Scotland consists of a highland landscape with lochs, mists, castles populated by fair maidens, warlike yet sensitive kilted men and bagpipers. Much of this comes from the invented traditions of Scotland, particularly kilts and clan tartans; late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Scottish literature; Scottish propaganda for tourism following WWII; and Scottish popular culture. In spite of Lerner’s well-written book, Loewe’s charming music, and Agnes De Mille’s exciting choreography, the Scottishness of the work received, and still receives, the most attention. Brigadoon’s inauthentic or dubious depiction of …

Coincidence Theory: Seeking A Perceptual Preference For Just Intonation, Equal Temperament, And Pythagorean Intonation In Excerpts For Wind Instruments, Derle Ray Long

Dissertations

Coincidence theory states that when the components of harmony are in enhanced alignment the sound will be more consonant to the human auditory system. An objective method of examining the components of harmony is by investigating alignment of the mathematics of a particular sound or harmony. The study examined preference responses to excerpts tuned in just intonation, Pythagorean intonation, and equal temperament. Musical excerpts were presented in pairs and study subjects simply picked one version from the pair that they perceived as the most consonant. Results of the study revealed an overall preference for equal temperament in contradiction to coincidence …

Fantasy Variations On George Gershwin's Prelude Ii For Piano: An Analysis And Conductor's Guide, Brian Stevon Taylor

Dissertations

Donald Grantham has received much acclaim and awards for his compositions. Fantasy Variations proves to be noteworthy addition to his collected works and to the band repertoire. The work won the NBA/William Revelli Memorial Band Composition Contest in 1998 and the ABA/Ostwald Award in 1999. The piece has received much acclaim and many performances with several commercial recordings. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the importance of the band music of Donald Grantham through an analysis of one of his award-winning works. Further, another aim would be to help more bands perform this noteworthy piece by assisting in …

Luigi Zaninelli: Rehearsing, Performing, And Conducting Selected Works 2005-2008, James Ernest Standland

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide a resource for band conductors for rehearsing and performing band compositions of Luigi Zaninelli, specifically Three Dances of Enchantment, Prayer and Canto, and Dwarf of Venice. Certain decisions conductors make and even risks they take can make the difference in an ensemble's understanding of the music. This study provides an analytical view of Three Dances of Enchantment, Prayer and Canto, and Dwarf of Venice in terms of tempi, form, ensemble blend and balance, intonation, melodic lines, and conducting gestures.

An Early American Family Of Flutists, Wendell Dobbs

Music Faculty Research

An overview of the history of a dynasty of flutists, flute manufacturers and music publishers established by English emigrant Edward R. Riley in New York. Riley and copperplate printer Thomas Adams formed the firm Riley & Adams in 1812. It is said that all his three sons became music publishers, music instrument manufacturers and retailers.

A Stylistic Analysis Of Six Pieces For Solo Piano By Rodion Shchedrin And A Stylistic Analysis Of Trespreludiosa Modo De Toccata, Dos Danzas Cubanas, And Estudio De Contrastes By Harold Gramatges, Amanda Virelles Del Valle

Dissertations

This document compiles stylistic analysis for performance of selected works by the Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin and the Cuban composer Harold Gramatges. The piano music of these composers has been gaining international acclaim since the 1950's. The unique harmonic language, the elements of folklore, and the virtuosity found in these pieces make them very attractive for performance and research.

The document unites two papers, each supplementing lecture recitals offered on April 16 and 28, 2008. In each paper, after a brief biographical summary and an account of the piano repertoire of the respective composer, the pieces are examined, and matters …

An Analytical Conductor's Guide To The Satb A Capella Works Of Arvo Part, Kimberly Anne Cargile

Dissertations

Arvo Part (b. 1935) is an Estonian composer whose works include film scores, piano and organ works, chamber music, choral/orchestral works, and unaccompanied choral works. This dissertation is limited to the composer's SATB a cappella works. During an eight-year "period of silence" from 1968 to 1976, Part ceased serious composition in order to find his true compositional "voice." During this hiatus, Part abandoned his Lutheran faith, converting to the Russian Orthodox Church, and discovered a fascination with sacred Medieval and Renaissance music, which had been denied him as a student in the USSR. These events, added to the lingering influence …

Instrumental Tango Idioms In The Symphonic Works And Orchestral Arrangements Of Astor Piazzolla. Performance And Notational Problems: A Conductor's Perspective, Alejandro Marcelo Drago

Dissertations

Tango performance practices and notational conventions included in the orchestral works of Astor Piazzolla belong in two groups. The first is tango performance manner, or the specific way of rendering the written musical text; and the second is tango special effects, which could be defined as a group of non-traditional (for European music) instrumental techniques specific to tango music. Both groups are part of a performance style that has been poorly systematized, if at all, and kept alive only by means of face-to-face transmission. The purpose of this dissertation is to identify and analyze the challenges that Piazzolla faced while …

The History Of The Marimba, Daniel Rager

Music Faculty Publications

The author presents an international and historical history of one of the earliest melodic percussion instruments made by man. His research suggests the instrument was widespread throughout Asia and Africa, although many other regions claim it to have originated in their country.

Known by many names and created from an endless array of materials, this paper reflects the marimbas evolution from the fourteenth century to present day. The writer’s research encompasses the marimbas social roles, musical functions, timbres and styles across many countries as well as its evolution into the twenty-first century.

A Study Of Lars-Erik Larsson And His Contributions To Trombone Repertoire, Thomas S. Brown

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research was to gain information about Lars-Erik Larsson and his contributions to trombone repertoire. The specific problems of the study were as follows: 1) to identify and investigate Larsson’s major contributions to twentieth century music; 2) to identify and investigate Larsson’s contribution to trombone repertoire; 3) to analyze Larsson’s Concertino for Trombone and String Orchestra Op. 45 No. 7 in terms of form, structure, and twentieth century techniques. A biographical overview of Larsson’s life is given as background and as insight to his compositions.

A Study Of Charles-Auguste De Beriot And His Contributions To The Violin, Leigh P. Mackintosh

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research was to gain information about Charles-Auguste de Beriot (1802-1870) and his contributions to the violin. The specific problems of the study were as follows: 1.) to identify what influenced the compositions of Charles-Auguste de Beriot; 2.) to outline important developments in his writing that contributed to violin technique and Romanticism; and 3.) to analyze Concerto IX in A minor for Violin, Op. 104 in terms of melody, harmony, tonality, texture, and form. The intention of this research is to investigate Beriot’s compositions for violin and examines the Romantic aspects that appear in his Concerto IX. …

Frankenstein: Man Or Monster?, Leigh P. Mackintosh

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Since its first publication in 1818, Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein has left a lasting impression upon the world speaking to a multitude of audiences including artists, scientists, philosophers, and society as a whole. Considering the impact of Frankenstein through its evolution as a cultural myth in various plays and films, this thesis will provide a way to gauge the relevance of Shelley’s story as an adaptation. Only by knowing what has been done in the past and how the materials have been used by other playwrights and screenwriters can one understand how to handle them as an original work. The …

"The Most German Of All German Operas": Die Meistersinger Through The Lens Of The Third Reich, David B. Dennis

History: Faculty Publications and Other Works

A detailed analysis of the reception of Wagner's, Meistersinger, in the Third Reich.

Tchaikovsky And His Violin Concerto : A Theme Of Opposites, Jennifer Lynn Bougher

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

The Revision Of Recitatives From Il Trovatore To Le Trouvère, David Lawton

Verdi Forum

No abstract provided.

Fred Bartenstein: The Right Place At The Right Time, Kurt Mosser

Philosophy Faculty Publications

Fred Bartenstein has always seemed to find himself perfectly situated to pursue his life-long interest in bluegrass music – as he puts it, “I’ve always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.” This luck has allowed him to find bluegrass in the most surprising places, whether at a private day school in New Jersey, or at Harvard University in the late 1960s. It has also meant that, among other things, he found himself attending the first bluegrass festival in Fincastle, Va., becoming a bluegrass DJ at the age of 16, starting Muleskinner News magazine, and playing …

A Descriptive Catalogue Of The Music Of Charles Ives, James Sinclair

Descriptive Catalogue of The Music of Charles Ives

This catalogue serves to describe the music manuscripts in the Charles Ives Papers, MSS 14, in the Irving S. Gilmore Music Library of Yale University. Published in 1999. Revised in 2012.

Chromaticism And The Use Of The Keyed Trumpet In The Haydn And The Hummel Trumpet Concerti, Gary R. Turner

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses the development of a trumpet capable of playing a complete chromatic scale. The invention of the keyed trumpet at the end of the eighteenth century freed the instrument from the acoustic limitations of the Baroque "natural" trumpet. These limitations are explained in the study. The capabilities of the keyed trumpet prompted first Franz Joseph Haydn and later Johann Nepomuk Hummel to compose concerti in which the solo trumpet parts contain novel chromatic melodic passages impossible to perform on natural trumpets. These concerti, both written for the same instrument, with only seven years separating their composition dates, reflect …

Verdi Sings Erminia Frezzolini, Mary Ann Smart

Verdi Forum

No abstract provided.

Composing For The Virtuoso: Harmony, Form, And Rhythm In Paganini's Twenty-Four Caprices For The Violin, Op. 1, Philip T. Harrison

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The study presents a brief historical background of the Italian violinist Nicolo Paganini (1782-1840) and an analysis of five caprices from Twenty-Four Caprices for the Violin, Op. 1 with the intent of determining the harmonic language. Many music historians and theorists give little attention to Paganini as a composer, though his compositions encompass many genres. Historians, in particular, focus their attention on his life as a performing virtuoso. It is the contention of this study that Paganini composed the Twenty-Four Caprices for the Violin, Op. 1, for the virtuoso performer. The harmonic language of the caprices is an amalgamation of …

Hillbilly Music & Early Live Radio Programming In Bowling Green & Glasgow, Kentucky: Country Music As A Local Phenomenon, James Nelson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In this study, the author examines the development of country music in the area surrounding Bowling Green and Glasgow, Kentucky, from approximately 1930 to 1960 and its relation to the newly emerging medium of radio. Emphasis is placed on several performers whose careers were linked to the radio stations which began to broadcast in Bowling Green and Glasgow during the 1940s.

In the past, country music scholarship has tended to focus on phonograph records as a source of material for study and as the primary means of musical transmission. As a result, the careers of many of the lesser known …

Country Music In The Northeast: Two Careers, Joseph Ruff

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Although country music and its antecedents have received attention primarily as cultural phenomena of the South, the past twenty years have witnessed a growing scholarly interest in the interplay between commercial country music, vernacular components. and performers within a regional context. The commercial product which has now attained worldwide appeal undoubtedly sustains a significant relationship to the folkways and regional identity of the South; nonetheless, performers and vernacular styles from other areas of the country have contributed to the development of country music. Most important. many areas outside of the South maintain local traditions of country music entertainment. In this …

Censorship Of 'I Masnadieri' In Italy, Roberta Montemorra Marvin

Verdi Forum

No abstract provided.