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American Choral Music in Late 19th  Century New Haven:  The Gounod and New Haven Oratorio Societies (open access)

American Choral Music in Late 19th Century New Haven: The Gounod and New Haven Oratorio Societies

This study examines two of the smaller American choral societies that together existed for just over 30 years, 1888 to 1919: The Gounod and New Haven Oratorio Societies of New Haven, Connecticut. These societies are important because, especially in the case of the New Haven Society, they were closely related to Yale University and the work of Horatio Parker. One must assume from the onset that the two choral groups examined in the following pages did not have the prominence of the many larger New England choral societies. However a more detailed knowledge about the struggles, successes, influence and leadership of two smaller societies illuminates a field of research in the history of American choral music that has been largely ignored.
Date: May 2001
Creator: Clark, R. Andrew
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Autographs 1928 : Four Songs for Soprano and Chamber Ensemble (open access)

Autographs 1928 : Four Songs for Soprano and Chamber Ensemble

Autographs 1928: Four Songs for Soprano and Chamber Ensemble is a composition of approximately 16 minutes' duration and is scored for mezzo-soprano, flute, oboe, clarinet, horn in F, viola, violoncello, one keyboardist (piano and celesta), and two percussionists (marimba, xylophone, chimes, timpani, bass drum, temple blocks, triangle, and slapstick). The work consists of four songs and four readings with texts from Walls's maternal grandmother's autograph book. The composition opens with a reading and alternates between readings and songs. The music is intended to reflect the playful, tender and humorous nature of the lyrics.
Date: August 1995
Creator: Walls, Jay Alan
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Concertino for Flute, Timpani and String Orchestra (open access)

Concertino for Flute, Timpani and String Orchestra

Concertino for Flute, Timpani, and String Orchestra is a three movement piece that blends Western European forms with Korean idioms. The following essay addresses pitch materials, melodic structure, rhythm, form, instrumentation, vertical structures, and developmental procedures used in the work.
Date: December 1995
Creator: Moon, Jeong-Hyun
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Harmony and Structure in Richard Strauss's Macbeth (open access)

Harmony and Structure in Richard Strauss's Macbeth

This study begins with a discussion of step theory. Included in this discussion is the basis of chord succession, the idea of fundamental representation, and the uses of reinterpretation technique. These concepts are then used to demonstrate the continuity and logic of the harmonic language found in Strauss's Macbeth.
Date: August 1996
Creator: Bills, Danny C.
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Capella Eletronnica (open access)

A Capella Eletronnica

The intent of A capella Eletronnica is to explore the possibility of the human voice as the most versatile of musical instruments. The voice, capable of melodic, harmonic, percussive and rhythmic effects, is also employed for spoken text and conversational elements as musical sources. My aim was to enlarge this array of vocal techniques with the use of electronic processing and amplification.
Date: August 1995
Creator: Bonneau, Paul G. (Paul Gregory)
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Schoenberg, Polyphony, and Mode : A Reception of the Composer's Twelve-tone Method in American Publications, c. 1925-1950 (open access)

Schoenberg, Polyphony, and Mode : A Reception of the Composer's Twelve-tone Method in American Publications, c. 1925-1950

Although Schoenberg viewed his twelve-tone method as an extension of the Germanic musical evolution from Bach to Brahms, one group of writers in America identified twelve-tone antecedents with Medieval and Renaissance polyphony. Such a correlation of Schoenberg's practice with this textural orientation of the past was part of a larger movement (what I term "neopolyphony") recognizing twentieth-century musical developments as the genesis of a polyphonic epoch reviving both the technical and aesthetic concerns of the former era. With Schoenberg's practice applied to this analogical context, other writers (Hill, Krenek, Perle) advanced certain modal theories based in various degrees on the internal organization and functional role of the Church modes.
Date: August 1995
Creator: Finnegan, Sean Justin
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Modern Api Design and Physical Computing Techniques in Just Intonation Performance Practice (open access)

Modern Api Design and Physical Computing Techniques in Just Intonation Performance Practice

approached previously by both Harry Partch and Ben Johnston, and proposes the decoupling of interface and sound production as a way forward. The design and implementation of a software instrument and a hardware prototype are described, both using a simple API for variable tuning instruments. The hardware prototype uses physical computing techniques to control the tuning of a string with a servo motor, while the software instrument exists entirely in a web browser. Finally, potential algorithms for clients of the API are presented, and the effectiveness of the hardware prototype is evaluated by measuring its pitch accuracy.
Date: May 2013
Creator: Sonnabaum, Mark
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Influence of the Tongue on Vocal Production (open access)

The Influence of the Tongue on Vocal Production

The purpose of this study is to assemble information needed to assess, understand and hopefully correct muscular hyperfunction that is related to tongue tension in singing and speech which inhibit freely, efficiently, and comfortably produced beautiful singing. This text will include a definition of freely produced, fully resonating tone for beautiful singing, major components of vocal technique, physiology related to singing and speech production, hyperfunctions associated with tongue tension, tongue involvement in the articulation of the four major singing languages, and will present exercises for training the muscles of coordination in a manner conducive to singing and speech.
Date: May 2002
Creator: Lindberg-Kransmo, Maria
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Artistic Expression in Music and Poetry (open access)

Artistic Expression in Music and Poetry

This paper delineates meaningful relationships of passions, emotions, feelings, affections, nuances and aural perceptions of expressions and utterances, for understanding human artistic possibilities historically and contemporarily in the fraternal arts of music and poetry, with reference to sounds, silences, sequences, rhythms, rhymes, repetitions, retards, accelerations, tempos, harmonies, melodies, forms, etc., in four poetic and three musical compositions uniquely created by its author.
Date: May 2007
Creator: Wertz, Charles Bradley
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Miles Davis: The Road to Modal Jazz (open access)

Miles Davis: The Road to Modal Jazz

The fact that Davis changed his mind radically several times throughout his life appeals to the curiosity. This thesis considers what could be one of the most important and definitive changes: the change from hard bop to modal jazz. This shift, although gradual, is best represented by and culminates in Kind of Blue, the first Davis album based on modal style, marking a clear break from hard bop. This thesis explores the motivations and reasons behind the change, and attempt to explain why it came about. The purpose of the study is to discover the reasons for the change itself as well as the reasons for the direction of the change: Why change and why modal music?
Date: May 2007
Creator: Camacho Bernal, Leonardo
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Garden of Eden (open access)

Garden of Eden

The Garden Of Eden is a ballet for four instrumental quintets: brass, woodwind, string, and percussion. Each ensemble is associated with one of four dancers: God, Adam, Eve, -and the Serpent, respectively. The duration of this ballet is approximately sixteen minutes and is divided into three parts depicting (1) the creation of the world and Adam; (2) the creation of Eve-and the warning about the tree of knowledge; and (3) the Serpent's temptation of the main characters, as well as their subsequent banishment from the garden by God. One of my reasons for composing this work was to answer an important question: how to control musical motion and emotion. Since ballet incorporates both motion in its choreography and emotion in its program, it provided a perfect medium in which to work.
Date: December 1985
Creator: Sutch, Mark
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Survey of the Research Literature on the Female High Voice (open access)

A Survey of the Research Literature on the Female High Voice

The location of the available research literature and its relationship to the pedagogy of the female high voice is the subject of this thesis. The nature and pedagogy of the female high voice are described in the first four chapters. The next two chapters discuss maintenance of the voice in conventional and experimental repertoire. Chapter seven is a summary of all the pedagogy. The last chapter is a comparison of the nature and the pedagogy of the female high voice with recommended areas for further research. For instance, more information is needed to understand the acoustic factors of vibrato, singer's formant, and high energy levels in the female high voice.
Date: December 1988
Creator: Stephen, Roberta M. (Roberta Mae)
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Harmonic Practice in the Guitar Music of Manuel M. Ponce (open access)

Harmonic Practice in the Guitar Music of Manuel M. Ponce

This investigation examines the evolution of harmonic practice in the guitar misic of the Mexican composer, Manuel M. Ponce (1882-1948). Ponces harmonic practice evolved from a simple romantic style influenced by Mexican folksong to a more complex idiom influenced by Impressionistic harmony. This study explores the change in Ponce t s harmonic practice in two ways. First, general features of Ponce's harmonic vocabulary are surveyed in excerpts from various guitar works written over a twenty year period. Second, a work from Ponce's mature style--Theme Varie et Finale-is examined in detail. Chapter III gives a survey of harmonic materials in this work, while Chapter IV reveals aspects of its structural coherence.
Date: December 1985
Creator: Nystel, David J.
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
An Investigation of Textural Activity and Its Hierarchical Structures in Selected Works by Krzysztof Penderecki (open access)

An Investigation of Textural Activity and Its Hierarchical Structures in Selected Works by Krzysztof Penderecki

This study focuses on temporal aspects of the music of Krzysztof Penderecki and deals with these on the level of textural activity. The analyses are based on a referential idea called a "discrete sound event," defined as an occurrence of a sound or collection of sounds which, as a unit, is distinct from the surrounding texture. These sound events are then used to appraise textural activity from layer fluctuation and composite density. The pieces selected for applying these techniques are the Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima, from 1960, the Fluorescences, from 1961, and the 1965 Capriccio for oboe and strings.
Date: May 1986
Creator: Daley, Paul B. (Paul Byron)
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
An Exploratory Study of Laryngeal Movements During Performance on Alto Saxophone (open access)

An Exploratory Study of Laryngeal Movements During Performance on Alto Saxophone

The purpose of this study was to investigate laryngeal movements in selected performance situations on alto saxophone. The specific research problems were to describe glottal activity in three selected musicians as they performed musical tasks with (1) various pitch ranges and registers, (2) fortissimo and pianissimo dynamic levels, (3) crescendo and decrescendo, (4) long tones with vibrato, and (5) legato and staccato styles of articulation. A fiberoptic laryngoscope was employed to gather the visual images, which were recorded on a sound synchronized video tape. A rating system was devised to provide graphic representation of the data. Results of the data indicated that the glottis was used as an airflow constrictor in certain performance situations, especially in pianissimo performance. Other conclusions were drawn, and suggestions for further research were discussed.
Date: December 1984
Creator: Peters, Jeffrey T. (Jeffrey Thomas)
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Hartley Wood Day: Inventor of Numeral Notation and Adversary of Lowell Mason (open access)

Hartley Wood Day: Inventor of Numeral Notation and Adversary of Lowell Mason

Ignorance of the basic principles of music reading was one of the primary obstacles to the improvement of congregational singing in nineteenth-century America. Six separate numeral notation systems arose to provide a simple way for the common man to learn the basic principles of music. Hartley Day developed his own numeral notation system and published six tune-books that enjoyed modest success in the New England area. This thesis examines Day's numeral notation system as it appeared in the Boston Numeral Harmony (1845), and the One-Line Psalmist (1849). It also studies Day's periodical, The Musical Visitor, in which he continually attacked Lowell Mason, possibly leading to Mason's dismissal as Superintendent of Music of Boston's public schools.
Date: December 1991
Creator: Carnes, Tara Barker
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Designs (open access)

Designs

Designs is an algorithmic composition for small orchestra. The main compositional process used involves the realization and implementation of various musical algorithms discussed in the book Composition with Pitch-Classes by theorist/composer Robert Morris.
Date: August 1993
Creator: Fu, Yuen-Wai
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
How to Practice in an Efficient Way (open access)

How to Practice in an Efficient Way

Twi major areas concerning the problems of practice are discussed. One is that poor practice often relegates itself to mindless repetition. The second problem is that the student often has a vague definition of piano technique. All technique should be a means of expression, not just an isolated physical exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis was to understand the nature of practice and to develop a suggested practice routine which incorporates both technical and musical aspects. Two recommendations, strategies toward effective practice and an ideal practice sessions, serve as a practice outline and reference for both piano teacher and student. An appendix presents a collection of the thoughts and viewpoints on practicing from forty-four internationally acclaimed pianists.
Date: May 1999
Creator: Hu, Shu-Chen, 1968-
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Transient Delete: Original Composition with a Critical Examination of the Compositional Process and a Survey of Digital Technology in Opera (open access)

Transient Delete: Original Composition with a Critical Examination of the Compositional Process and a Survey of Digital Technology in Opera

This paper explores various technologies available to the modern composer and utilized in recent modern opera, providing creative approaches to producing aural, visual, and theatrical performance environments. It also explores my own use of digital technology in Transient Delete. Transient Delete is a digital miniature-opera that explores different aspects of a community of post-human cyborgs. The story follows Iméra, a newly converted cyborg as she acclimates herself to this new cybernetic existence. During this process she meets several other cybernetic entities that are there to help guide her through her metamorphosis.
Date: May 2016
Creator: Shirey, Benjamin, 1985-
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Looking through a Different Lens, Beyond Censorship: The American Reception of Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District (open access)

Looking through a Different Lens, Beyond Censorship: The American Reception of Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District

The censorship of Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District is a familiar story to musicologists, but reception of the opera is not frequently mentioned. Examining the reception of a work can bring a work's relative importance into focus. In this thesis, German literary and reception theorist Hans Robert Jauss's model of the horizon of expectations is applied to reviews of American productions of Lady Macbeth. Curiosity about communism following the Great Depression in 1930s, America and American music critics' knowledge that Soviet composers worked for the Soviet regime led to the belief that Lady Macbeth was officially approved export from the Soviet Union. When the article condemning the opera as a Western formalism appeared in the Soviet magazine, Pravda, Americans needed to adjust their understanding of Lady Macbeth as a socialist expression. Following the work's revival in San Francisco in 1981, the influence of Solomon Volkov's Testimony is prevalent in many reviews. Many reviewers use Volkov's narrative of Shostakovich as covert dissident of the Soviet Union to assert that the censorship of the opera was about the content of the plot and not the music. Following the Soviet rejection of the work, American critics tried to claim Shostakovich for the …
Date: August 2017
Creator: Cassell, Holly
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
An Argument for the Reassessment of Stravinsky's Early Serial Compositions (open access)

An Argument for the Reassessment of Stravinsky's Early Serial Compositions

Between 1952 and 1957, Igor Stravinsky surprised the world of music by gradually incorporating serialism into his style of composition. Although Stravinsky still used the neo-classical trait of making strong references to the music of earlier periods, musical analyses of this transitional period have focused on serial aspects to the exclusion of anachronistic elements. Evidence of Stravinsky's possible use of musical structures adapted from earlier times is found in his consistent use of musical figures that are closely related to the cadences of the late Medieval and Renaissance eras. By fully addressing these neo-classical traits in future analyses, music theorists will gain an additional perspective, which is helpful in understanding the music of Stravinsky's transitional period.
Date: December 1995
Creator: Hughes, Timothy Stephen
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Comparative Study of the Bel Canto Teaching Styles and their Effects on Vocal Agility (open access)

Comparative Study of the Bel Canto Teaching Styles and their Effects on Vocal Agility

This thesis examines the historical significance of the vocal methods employed from the middle of the seventeenth century to the beginning of the nineteenth century in what became known as the bel canto era. It provides further exploration into the pedagogical procedures of the bel canto technique through a study of the premier instructors and singers from this period. The resurgence of interest in this tradition is addressed along with its impact on current vocal pedagogy. The vital role that vocal agility played as one of its most distinguishing traits is the primary factor under investigation. A discussion of the bel canto teaching styles in relation to their approach to agility is a major point of inquiry. By maintaining a link between present artists and pedagogues and the old Italian school, it helps the singer understand the historical implications of vocal agility as an integral part of healthy vocal development.
Date: August 1996
Creator: Harper, Portia
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel : A Bridge between Felix Mendelssohn and Johannes Brahms (open access)

Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel : A Bridge between Felix Mendelssohn and Johannes Brahms

This thesis is a study of four compositions written by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, older sister of Felix Mendelssohn. Her music is compared with four pieces composed by Felix. This study shows that Fanny was a gifted and creative composer, even surpassing Felix and predating Brahms with her compositional ideas and progressive uses of harmony. Despite her excellent education and recognition among those who knew her well, she did not publicize her talent in any way because of pressure from her father, Abraham, and Felix to stay within the prescribed societal confines of wife and mother.
Date: December 1997
Creator: Tarpenning, Emily
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Comparative Analysis of the "Dies Irae" in Mozart's Requiem and Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor (open access)

A Comparative Analysis of the "Dies Irae" in Mozart's Requiem and Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor

The thesis speculates on the possible influence of Mozart's Requiem on Cherubini's Requiem in D Minor, concluding that Cherubini's setting of the Sequence ("Dies irae") was indeed influenced by Mozart's setting of this liturgical text both on the micro and macro levels.
Date: August 1997
Creator: Leong, Jeremy
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library