Music Performance Commons^™

A Stylistic And Compositional Analysis Of Ciranda Das Sete Notas By Heitor Villa-Lobos, Paulo H. Siqueira

Theses and Dissertations

Heitor Villa-Lobos created his idiosyncratic Brazilian style in Ciranda das Sete Notas by using Bach’s compositional numbered alphabet idea. The intention is to help musicians, and more specifically bassoonists, have a clearer understanding of the construction of Villa-Lobos’s Ciranda das Sete Notas by providing context for the composer’s choices and compositional process. The central argument focuses on the interrelationship between the compositional intention and post-composition analyses with regard to Brazilian stylistic foundations. Beyond this process, with a nod to Bach`s numerical approach, the errors found on the only printed version in 1961 have been leading bassoonists to misguided performances, resulting …

Douze Préludes- Poèmes, Op. 58 By Charles Tournemire: A Stylistic Analysis, Mengdi Li

Theses and Dissertations

Douze Préludes-Poèmes, Op. 58 is a composition for solo piano by French composer Charles Tournemire (1870-1939). The object of this study is to help musicians have a better understanding of Douze Préludes-Poèmes through a stylistic analysis of the work.

The study provides background and biographical information on Tournemire. It also traces influences from which the composer drew inspiration. Since Tournemire created a unique musical language for the work by combining the Melakarta ragas from Southern India with the French symbolist and impressionist styles, this study identifies each raga used in the set and provides information on structure, harmony, melody, tempo, …

The Toccatas Of Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger’S Libro Primo D’Intavolatura Di Lauto: Analysis, Performance Practice, And Transcription For Modern Classical Guitar, Brett Edwin Floyd

Theses and Dissertations

Johannes Kapsberger (1580-1651) was an Italian composer of the early Baroque era. Known for his compositions for the lute, and chitarrone, Kapsberger was a talented composer who worked for great patrons like Francesco Barberini and Pope Urban VIII. Kapsberger published his only surviving lute works in 1611, which contained eight lute toccatas, twelve galliards and twelve courantes. Music produced for the lute during the renaissance and baroque eras are products of their time. Published lute music was written in tablature and relied heavily on the performance practices of its day. Today, trained lutenists have the skills and knowledge needed to …

A Performance Guide And An Examination Of Selected Saxophone Works By Stacy Garrop, Yi-Chia Tu

Theses and Dissertations

In the past decade, there have been numerous new works written for the saxophone in a variety of styles, including pieces that utilize avant-garde and other contemporary techniques as well as traditionally tonal melodic and harmonic structures. This document explores five saxophone works composed by American composer Stacy Garrop and provides a brief analysis of Garrop’s compositional style. It examines how Garrop tells stories by using her own unique compositional style to make a connection with her audience and performers. Furthermore, this document includes a performance guide to help the saxophonist understand and master the techniques required to successfully perform …

Tracing The Genesis Of The English Requiem Through Selected Works, V. Dwight Dockery, Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This document investigates the “English Requiem,” coined by the present author as a subgenre of the broader compositional genre of the Requiem. This subgenre demonstrates certain characteristics including grandeur in scale, implementation of non- standard religious text(s), especially the English Burial Service, and/or the utilization of (often secular) English poetry. The subgenre’s genesis is found in English composers’ response to the dead from the First World War (1914-1918), which coincided with the English Musical Renaissance of the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. The purpose of this document is to provide a clear understanding of the development of the English Requiem within …

To Prelude (V.): The Art Of Preluding And Applications For The Modern Classical Guitarist, Christopher Schoelen

Theses and Dissertations

In Western classical music, there are many types of compositions; some examples include sonatas, symphonies, fugues, and motets, each with a particular form. The prelude stands out as one of the few classical music forms in which the title can also be used as a verb. This is not frequently seen with other compositional types; there is never a case of “sonata-ing,” and an orchestra cannot suddenly burst into “symphony-ing.” However, there is a practice known as preluding. Historically, preluding was a common improvisational practice although many musicians today are unfamiliar with the tradition. Generally unexplored, preluding has played an …

Bel Canto To Punk And Back: Lessons For The Vocal Cross-Training Singer And Teacher, Lara C. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

Most singing studied and taught before the 20th century was based on western European classical forms. The continual development of opera and its increase in popularity caused singers to adjust vocally as orchestras grew in size and theaters became larger. As a result, the pedagogy of classical vocal styles has been studied, developed and described in print for hundreds of years.

With the invention of both recorded and amplified sound however, new styles of singing emerged, allowing singers to be heard without the need to project over large orchestras in huge spaces. These new singing styles, developed for the most …

Expanding Experimentalism: Art And Popular Music At The Kitchen In New York City, 1971-1985, Sarah A. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

This paper explores artists' engagement with popular music at the interdisciplinary alternative space, the Kitchen, from 1971 to 1985. It seeks a critical language to challenge institutional frameworks to account for the creative output of artists' bands and the relationship between parallel and hybrid popular music and avant-garde performance practices.

A Survey Of The History Of The Concertmaster Through The Baroque, Classical, And Romantic Eras, Leah E. Bonas

Theses and Dissertations

During the evolution of the orchestra from 1600-1900, the concertmaster remained a key leadership figure who held great influence over the ensemble. This paper examines the concertmaster’s changing role in the orchestra throughout the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras and studies the examples of exceptional concertmasters from each era, giving further historical insight into the lives and duties in of these orchestral leaders and musicians. During the Baroque era, when ensembles lacked conductors, the concertmaster shared control of the orchestra with the keyboard-player or time-beater. During the Classical Era, the concertmaster gained a larger role in the orchestra and often …

The Sequential Method: An Analysis Of Robert Jesselson’S Cello Pedagogy, Kalim D. Alvarez Campos

Theses and Dissertations

Dr. Robert Jesselson has made significant professional contributions as a cello performer and music educator. His pedagogical approaches are innovative in helping students overcome technical problems, building good work habits, instilling self- discipline, addressing kinesthetic issues, and improving practice techniques. His Sequential Method involves a systematic and logical progression of technical exercises, scale systems, etudes and repertoire. It is unique in its applications for teaching and learning left and right hand techniques, building a progression of etudes which address technical and musical issues and working through the cello repertoire in an organized and meaningful manner that is appropriate to the …

Electronics And The Music Of Miles Davis, Darren E. Shekailo

Theses and Dissertations

Miles Davis produced a wealth of music relying on the use of electronic instruments and new technology. With their adoption, the famous trumpeter began his “electric” period. Examining the electric period of Davis’s career helps us trace the profound impact of electronic instruments and technological advances on his music.

Operabbit, Mariel C. Mayz

Theses and Dissertations

OPERAbbit takes place in an unknown country with unnamed characters who are struggling for basic necessities amongst a political, social, and economic crisis. Questions of loyalty, trust, and nationalism are brought to the foreground as our Protagonist receives an unconventional government hand-out: a bunny. This fictional story— written by the composer and her brother— is met with humor and the liveliness of Latin American culture. The underlying truth, however, is more tragic. Many countries in Latin America have faced deep political, economic, or societal problems throughout their histories. None, however, have faced them all simultaneously as the country of Venezuela …

The Kingma System Flute: Redesigning The Nineteenth-Century Flute For The Twenty-First Century, Diane Elise Kessel

Theses and Dissertations

This project investigates the development and reception of the Kingma System flute, designed by Dutch flutemaker Eva Kingma. For some time now, flutists have been honing creative techniques to provide imperfect approximations of what composers have specified, but the Kingma mechanism achieves the exact effects desired with ease. Through her close work with composers and performers, Eva Kingma was able to create a mechanism that is comfortable to play, versatile in performance, and beautifully suited for contemporary repertoire. The Kingma flute is an invaluable tool for performers and an exciting new voice for composers, offering unprecedented musical possibilities and yet …

Serial Techniques In Works For Unaccompanied Trumpet, William Anonie

Theses and Dissertations

Of the many compositions for unaccompanied trumpet, some of the most interesting are those that employ twelve-tone serialism. This study provides analyses of these works, including Robert Henderson’s Variation Movements, Charles Whittenberg’s Polyphony, Hans Werner Henze’s Sonatina, and Stanley Friedman’s Solus. Performance implications related to the twelve-tone analysis are examined for each piece. Where multiple editions of a piece exist, they are compared with each other and with the analysis to guide the performer in choosing an edition.

Teaching Musically: Incorporating Dalcroze Pedagogy Into Flute Instruction For The Elementary-Age Student, Emily M. Stumpf

Theses and Dissertations

The current practice of flute pedagogy for the elementary-age student is often focused on skill-building: finger technique, tone development, and note-reading and rhythm skills. Often the teacher will delve into concepts of musicianship only after the student develops a high level of technical skill. I have found it is possible to include musical concepts such as expressive playing, developing an internal sense of rhythm, and improvisation at all stages of the learning process. When the flute teacher functions as the initiator of an aesthetic experience, the development of musicianship becomes just as important as skill-building.

The Dalcroze philosophy of music …

Delphine Ugalde: Defying Gender Norms Both On And Off The Stage In 19th Century Paris, Michael T. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

The social and professional networks that grew out of Paris’ vibrant theatrical and salon culture in the late 19th century supported a number of female artists in somewhat “non-traditional” roles. While the careers and influence of artists such as the sculptor Hélène Bertaux and singer-composer Pauline Viardot have been thoroughly researched in recent years, little attention has been paid to the life and work of the coloratura soprano, actor, pedagogue, and composer Delphine Ugalde. During her performing career, Ugalde was highly regarded for her ability to portray both male and female characters. After retiring from the stage, she engaged in …

Solo Violin Works Influenced By Romanian Lăutari Music, Essena Liah Setaro

Theses and Dissertations

In Romania, professional Roma (Gypsy) musicians called lăutari developed a colorful and unique musical tradition. This study explores the music of the lăutari and its influence on five works for unaccompanied violin: George Enescu’s recently discovered Airs dans le genre Roumain (1926) and “Le Ménétrier” from his Impressions d’enfance (1940), Eugène Ysaÿe’s Sonata No. 3 “Ballade” (1923), Helen Bowater’s Lautari (2003), and Roxanna Panufnik’s new composition Hora Bessarabia (2016).

Drawing from written sources, audio and video recordings, and transcriptions, this study first investigates the history, influences, and unique characteristics of the lăutari tradition and approach to violin playing. After discussing …

A Complete History Of Rico Reeds, Neal Postma

Theses and Dissertations

Rico is a household name among saxophonists and clarinetists around the world. Since the company’s inception, they have moved from importing several hundred reeds for Frank di Michele to sell to his friends to being among the largest manufacturers in the industry. This document traces the history of the company from its inception in 1928 to the date of its purchase by J. D’Addario & Co. in 2004. Through interviews, document reviews, and data gathering, this document explores the history of the company, the owners and managers, the products, and the events that led to D’Addario’s acquisition.

Experimental Music In Higher Education: Toward A Pedagogy Of Creativity, Philip Melancthon Snyder V

Theses and Dissertations

Experimental music is rarely taught in higher education music programs but it could nevertheless be useful for providing students a methodology through which to develop creativity. This document seeks to find common ground between the seemingly disparate worlds of classical music and experimental music in pursuit of revealing the usefulness of experimental music practice for musicians trained in the classical tradition. In seeming contrast to classical music, experimental music values include process, indeterminacy, and non-subjectivity. This document shows that these aspects, despite seeming exclusive to experimental music, are in fact integral to all music. This document will also discuss writings …

A Guide For Playing The Viola Without A Shoulder Rest, Chin Wei Chang

Theses and Dissertations

Knowing how to hold the viola is always the first step for not only beginners but also for those that progress to become teachers, professional soloists, orchestral musicians, and chamber musicians. Although there are pedagogy books and articles, these resources only devote a small amount to how to hold the instrument. There are also a number of videos online in which violinists or violists share their thoughts on this topic. As a violist, holding the viola is a lifetime issue because of the weight, and the variety of shapes and sizes of the instrument. These factors can cause more difficulty …

Analyzing And Comparing Selected Works For Violin And Piano By Chen Gang, Chen Guoquan And Bright Sheng, Liangjun Zou

Theses and Dissertations

Cross-cultural musical synthesis plays an important role in the creation of musical progress in the twentieth century. This dissertation is a study on the development of the use of Chinese folk elements in Western-style compositions by Chinese composers. Through analyses of different compositions by traditional Chinese composers, Chen Gang and Chen GuoQuan, as well as Chinese-born American composer Bright Sheng, the aesthetic variations produced by the synthesis of Western and Eastern music is examined.

Chapter One focuses on the development of Chinese violin music promoted by the efforts of several generations of composers. Chapter Two presents the background information of …

Music From The Harpsichord House, Julie Zhu

Theses and Dissertations

Music from the Harpsichord House is an installation and series of concerts that exists in the binary of in and out of performance. During a concert, the harpsichordist is hidden inside the house and his face is live-projected outside. Fifteen new musical compositions were commissioned for the harpsichord house.

The Life And Legacy Of Samul Feinberg, Solomon Eichner

Theses and Dissertations

Samuil Feinberg (1899-1962), a modern day Liszt, has not been given the credit he deserves. Living under the Stalin Regime, he was neglected and repressed. This pianist, composer and pedagogue lived an artistic life that is worth studying and reviving. Heavily influenced compositionally by Scriabin, Feinberg played an important role in continuing the Russian revolutionary avant-garde style between 1915 and 1930. Feinberg went through two compositional periods, the first being a more virtuosic experimental style and the second a more conservative, contrapuntal and folk influenced style. Feinberg had a deep connection to Bach and transcribed many of his pieces in …

Cabaret Story-Telling: Building Your Act, Timothy A. Fitz-Gerald

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis adduces the benefits in teaching undergraduate theatre majors the competency to create a cabaret. It expostulates that doing so during college gives students an advantage in marketing themselves professionally. It substantiates the general lack of cohesive undergraduate training in this area. The results of a survey of casting directors, assessing the worth of implementing the study of cabaret into theatre curricula, are incorporated.

Those that responded agreed that performing cabarets can play a role in a performer’s career, even if the opinions varied as to what that specific role is. There was general agreement that the study of …

The Political Suppression Of The Saxophone And Its Subsequent Pedagogical Development In Select Non-Democratic Countries, Sheldon Jerome Johnson Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Almost universally, the saxophone struggled to gain acceptance in the early years following its invention; however, the obstacles faced were much more arduous in some places than others. The saxophone faced many serious impediments to acceptance, especially in the non-democratic 20th-century countries of China and the Soviet Union. It is the purpose of this research to explore the institutional roadblocks, their removal, and to profile the people responsible for the subsequent development of formidable pedagogical saxophone traditions in recent years.

An Analytical Study Of The Britten Violin Concerto, Op.15, Shr-Han Wu

Theses and Dissertations

Benjamin Britten is known for his opera, vocal and symphonic works. His violin concerto was composed around the time of the second world war. During that time, there were many great violin works produced by composers such as Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Barber, etc., and their violin concertos are still considered staples of the violin repertoire. However, Britten’s violin concerto is not performed as often as other twentieth-century violin concertos. Although the popularity of his violin concerto is increasing in recent years, there is relatively little scholarly work devoted to it. The goal of this paper is to provide guidelines for performers …

An Exploration And Application Of Lieder Performance Practices And Compositional Techniques Towards The Poetic And Musical Structures Of Robert Schumann's Mignon Lieder, Clarissa Noel Lewandowski

Theses and Dissertations

The author has explored the poetic elements and musical settings of “Mignon Lieder” composed by Robert Schumann based on the text from Johann Wolfgang Goethe’s Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship. The author has compared the poetic and musical structures of each song from the “Mignon Lieder”, in order to capture the essence of Schumann’s compositional style as well as the performance practice needed specifically for his lieder. These topics are directly linked to the close relationship between text and music and the ability to blend the two for a meaningful performance. Also, an analysis of Mignon, the character of which the “Mignon …

A Poetic And Musical Analysis Of Fiancailles Pour Rire By Francis Poulenc With Poems By Louise De Vilmorin, Mary Elizabeth Gasson

Theses and Dissertations

Francis Poulenc is known for setting text of lesser-known poets. He set six of Louise de Vilmorin’s poems from Fiancailles pour rire to music. The style in which Vilmorin writes is quite intriguing, while Poulenc’s method of setting the text brings the mysteries of her poems to life. Their collaboration produced a charming work. The author will provide an in-depth poetic and musical analysis of Poulenc’s set Fiancailles pour rire. This study of Fiancailles pour rire may be used as a performance guide.

The Development Of Contemporary Music By Korean Composers: Analyses Of Piano Works By Isang Yun, Young Jo Lee And U Zong Choe, Song E. Kim

Theses and Dissertations

This study concerns the development of contemporary music by three generations of Korean composers, including Isang Yun, Young Jo Lee, and U Zong Choe, focusing on stylistic analyses of selected piano works by each composer: Fünf Stücke für Klavier by Isang Yun, Korean Dance Suite by Young Jo Lee, and 12 Preludes pour piano by U Zong Choe. The study provides an overview of the history of Western contemporary music in Korea and biographical information of each composer. It also describes and analyzes the style influences and characteristics of these composers‟ output. The analyses include examinations of Western techniques and …

The Eccentric Compositional Style Of Mark Applebaum: An Analysis Of His Acoustic Percussion Works, Richard Shane Reeves

Theses and Dissertations

Mark Applebaum is an American composer and Professor of Composition at Stanford University who has made significant contributions to contemporary music. His music has been performed all over the world and his popularity as a composer continues to increase. The experimental nature of his music and his continual innovation and creativity makes his music worthy of study. However, there has been no scholarly research done on his music. Because of this void, a study of his music is needed and would be valuable to both performers and scholars alike.

The oeuvre of Mark Applebaum is vast and includes music written …