Elementary School Teachers' Responses to Potential Child Abuse (open access)

Elementary School Teachers' Responses to Potential Child Abuse

This study was designed to evaluate: (a) teachers' behavior when they are confronted with potential cases of child abuse and (b) the information teachers require to make accurate decisions regarding the reporting of suspected child abuse. Teachers were presented with three vignettes describing cases of varying levels of suspected maltreatment, and different amounts of additional information. They were then asked to indicate how likely they would be to report the case to Child Protective Services (CPS). It was expected that reporting behavior would increase as available information increased. The results generally did not support this hypothesis. No significant impact on reporting behavior was found when teachers were presented with either the symptom list or the legal interpretation; however, there was a trend toward an interaction with the level of abusive indications in the case. These results are discussed in the context of the need for further training.
Date: May 1997
Creator: Driskill, Julie D.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Impact of TAT Card Selection on Evaluation of Object Relations Functioning Following Childhood Physical Abuse (open access)

Impact of TAT Card Selection on Evaluation of Object Relations Functioning Following Childhood Physical Abuse

The purpose of this study is to show principles of TAT card pull are applicable to object relations theory, and card pull effects are greater in subjects with greater impairments. Stories of physically abused and control child and adolescent subjects were evaluated on object relations scales of the SCORS (Westen et al., 1985). Scores varied systematically as a function of card stimulus characteristics. Analysis of scales assessing internalization of self supported stimulus inhibition interpretation while scales measuring views of others or individual affective experiences advanced stimulus pull explanation. Abused individuals' response patterns were similar to controls except on CR. Results of this study may increase TAT utility for evaluating object relations functioning by guiding card selection.
Date: May 1997
Creator: Grissett, Dana L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The History of Horn Playing in Los Angeles from 1920 to 1970 : a Lecture Recital, Together With Three Recitals of Selected Works for Horn by M. Haydn, Franz, Britten, Mozart, Koetsier, Hindemith, Herzogenberg, Rossini, Stevens and others (open access)

The History of Horn Playing in Los Angeles from 1920 to 1970 : a Lecture Recital, Together With Three Recitals of Selected Works for Horn by M. Haydn, Franz, Britten, Mozart, Koetsier, Hindemith, Herzogenberg, Rossini, Stevens and others

The History of Horn Playing in Los Angeles from 1920 to 1970 begins with the horn players who played in the silent film orchestras and the Alfred Brain's tenure with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This study details the introduction of soundtracks, the early studio orchestras, the contract studio orchestras, the musician union's role in structuring the work environment, the horn players who played in both the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the studios, major figures from the subsequent freelance period such as Vincent de Rosa, and the local and international influence of the Los Angeles Horn Club.
Date: May 1999
Creator: Hilliard, Howard (Howard Louis)
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-
System: The UNT Digital Library
Implementing Municipal Water Conservation Policy: Goals, Practices and the Case of Texas (open access)

Implementing Municipal Water Conservation Policy: Goals, Practices and the Case of Texas

This study examines whether water conservation is actually being incorporated into municipal water management practices. The development of a conservation policy from a general goal declaration to specific programmatic practices is reviewed for a Texas state water agency, the Texas Water Development Board. From January 1986 through September 1989, 102 political units in Texas applied to the Board for water-related loan funds and thus were required to implement municipal water conservation plans. Two aspects of this conversation policy are assessed: one, the Board's procedural arrangements for the development and review of water conservation plans, and two, the conservation plans of each political unit. It is concluded that Texas state water managers, and local manager also, have yet to incorporate conservation as a significant planning tool for the achievement of water management goals.
Date: May 1992
Creator: Sokulsky, Kariann Elizabeth
System: The UNT Digital Library
Substitution Chemistry of Ruthenium Clusters with the Diphosphine Ligands: 4,5-Bis(Diphenylphosphino)-4-Cyclo-Penten-1,3-Dione (bpcd), (Z)-Ph₂PCH=CHPP₂ and 3,4-Bis(Diphenylphosphino)-5-Methoxy-2(5H)-Furanone (bmf) (open access)

Substitution Chemistry of Ruthenium Clusters with the Diphosphine Ligands: 4,5-Bis(Diphenylphosphino)-4-Cyclo-Penten-1,3-Dione (bpcd), (Z)-Ph₂PCH=CHPP₂ and 3,4-Bis(Diphenylphosphino)-5-Methoxy-2(5H)-Furanone (bmf)

The chemistry of transition metal clusters has been a fast developing area of organometallic research in recent years. Compared to mononuclear metal complexes, polynuclear clusters offer more opportunities to study cooperative effects and electron reservoir properties between contiguous metal centers, in addition to functioning as storehouses for the release of catalytically active small fragments capable of exhibiting heterosite subtrate activation. Theoretically, metal clusters are intermediates between mononuclear complexes and metal surfaces, i.e., they serve as a bridge between molecular and solid-state chemistry. Transition metal clusters are ideal candidates to study M-M interactions stretching from the single bond to the collective metallic behavior found in a three-dimensional network of metal atoms. The reaction between the redox-active diphoshpine ligand bpcd and RU(CO) has been examined under a variety of conditions. The disubstituted cluster Ru3(CO)10(bpcd)(2) has been synthesized and shown to contain a chealating bpcd ligand, on the basis of IR and 31P NMR data. The cluster 2 (chelating isomer) undergoes cluster fragmentation at ambient temperatures in the dark to give the binuclear compound 3 and Ru3(CO)12, with no evidence for the formation of 4. Both 3 and 4 have been isolated and fully characterized in solution by IR and NMR spectroscopy, and …
Date: May 1997
Creator: Shen, Huafeng
System: The UNT Digital Library
Monitoring Watershed Health in the Upper Trinity River Basin, North Central Texas (open access)

Monitoring Watershed Health in the Upper Trinity River Basin, North Central Texas

This study conducts watershed analysis using biological and geo-spatial techniques. Incorporating landscape features with biological attributes has been shown to be an effective method of monitoring environmental quality within watersheds. In situ biomonitoring using the Asiatic Clam, Corbicula fluminea, habitat suitability, and water quality data were evaluated for their potential to describe ecological conditions in agricultural and urban areas within the Upper Trinity River watershed. These data were analyzed with GIS to identify effects of land use on ecological conditions. C. fluminea downstream of point source effluents was effective detecting in-stream toxicity. Ambient toxicity appears to have improved in the Trinity, although urban influences limit aspects of aquatic life. No association between habitat quality and land use was identified.
Date: May 1999
Creator: Csekitz, Jill Diane
System: The UNT Digital Library
Shifts of Focus Among Dimensions of User Information Problems as Represented During Interactive Information Retrieval (open access)

Shifts of Focus Among Dimensions of User Information Problems as Represented During Interactive Information Retrieval

The goal of this study is to increase understanding of information problems as they are revealed in interactions among users and search intermediaries during information retrieval. Specifically, this study seeks to investigate: (a) how interaction between users and search intermediaries reveals aspects of user information problems; (b) to explore the concept of representation with respect to information problems in interactive information retrieval; and (c) how user and search intermediaries focus on aspects of user information problems during the course of searches. This project extends research on interactive information retrieval, and presents a theoretical framework that synthesizes rational and non-rational questions concerning mental representation as it pertains to user's understanding of information problems.
Date: May 1998
Creator: Robins, David B. (David Bruce)
System: The UNT Digital Library
A performance analysis of Joseph Turrin's works for solo trumpet, a lecture recital, together with three recitals of selected works by J.S. Bach, E. Bloch, H. Tomasi and others (open access)

A performance analysis of Joseph Turrin's works for solo trumpet, a lecture recital, together with three recitals of selected works by J.S. Bach, E. Bloch, H. Tomasi and others

This study addresses on facet of Joseph Turrin's compositional oeuvre: his published works for solo trumpet. Complete histories if all six trumpet compositions are chronicles. A discussion of formal organization and significant style features including harmonic language, melodic style and rhythmic features is included. A detailed performance analysis follows. The degree of difficulty of each work is assessed through an investigation of tessitura, range, melodic contour, endurance factors, fingerings, and technical features of the accompaniment. Analysis of tempi and dynamics, articulation and phrasing, and timbral considerations provides additional points of focus to the study. Finally, the importance of Turrin's works for trumpet and his impact on trumpet literature is assessed. Idiomatic aspects of composition that make Turrin's music attractive to performers are investigated and discussed.
Date: May 1999
Creator: Korak, John
System: The UNT Digital Library
Gender, Jobs and Geographic Origin of Australian Immigrants (open access)

Gender, Jobs and Geographic Origin of Australian Immigrants

This thesis examines access to managerial jobs in the Australian labor market by immigrant women and men from five continents and five individual countries. Comparisons were not made only among both continent and country groups, but also between the women and men within each group, as a measure of occupational gender inequality. An index of managerial representation in the Australian labor market (MORI) was computed and nine independent variables were applied to measure immigrant representation in managerial occupations. Rank order correlates were used to calculate relationships between variables. Results indicate that women (with the exception of Vietnamese) from all countries were disproportionately underrepresented in managerial jobs and that the more dissimilar immigrant men are to native born Australians, the less likely they are to hold managerial jobs.
Date: May 1999
Creator: Flanagan, Annette F.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Jorie Graham's "The Guardian Angel of the Little Utopia": The Truth of Mystery and Moonlight in Quota (open access)

Jorie Graham's "The Guardian Angel of the Little Utopia": The Truth of Mystery and Moonlight in Quota

The dissertation includes a critical essay on Jorie Graham's "The Guardian Angel of the Little Utopia and a full-length collection of poetry entitled Moonlight in Quota. The essay is a critical examination which argues that Graham's poems question Western anthropocentric thought through her constant arrangement of particular images (flowers, yellow sky, leaves) and her subsequent questioning of such intellectual and linguistic arrangements. Graham grapples with ideas of perception, questions the historical concepts of truth and knowledge, and engages in linguistic play both musically and imagistically. Each section is tied together by some overriding theme or persistent image: 1.) forgetting, Mexican-American border scenes 2.) poverty and faith shown through images of marginalized characters 3.) Artistic creation as a means for the survival for the "other."
Date: May 1999
Creator: Luna-Grochocki, Sheryl
System: The UNT Digital Library
Effect of pH on the Persistence and Toxicity of Cyfluthrin to Chironomus Tentans (open access)

Effect of pH on the Persistence and Toxicity of Cyfluthrin to Chironomus Tentans

The effect of pH upon the aquatic toxicity of cyfluthrin was determined in 48 h static acute toxicity tests using 2nd instar Chironomus tentans larvae. Tests were conducted in both dechlorinated tap water and lake water of pH 8.0, 7.2, and 6.6. After 48 h, immobilized and dead larvae were removed and replaced with 2nd instar larvae to assess the persistence of toxicity. Midges were cultured in water adjusted to the pH values used in testing. Toxicity if cyfluthrin varied inversely with pH. An increase in the pH of tap water by 2 units resulted in a 2-decrease in toxicity. Toxicity of cyfluthrin also varied between tap and lake water of the same pH. EC50 values in lake water were approximately 2-3 times lower than those in tap water. Toxicity in the lake water and tap water at every pH tested was also significantly different when regression line elevations were compared. Natural waters amended with cyfluthrin were consistently more toxi to the chironomids than tap water of the same pH. Persistence of cyfluthrin at low pH also influenced chironomid behavior. Recovery of normal behavior generally began within 24 h at pH 8.0 At pH 6.0, recovery did not begin until …
Date: May 1992
Creator: Hambleton, Faith Ann (Faith Ann Elizabeth)
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Effectiveness of Say It Straight Communications Training With Adults in Outpatient Chemical Dependency Treatment (open access)

The Effectiveness of Say It Straight Communications Training With Adults in Outpatient Chemical Dependency Treatment

The study compared an experimental group (n=26) who participated in weekly SIS sessions as an adjunct to existing treatment protocols for a period of 6-8 weeks, to a control group (n=14) who matriculated in treatment without the addition of SIS training for a period of 6-8 weeks. Subjects completed a battery of questionnaires at the beginning of the measurement period and at the end of the measurement period. The SASSI-2, The McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD), and the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale were used to measure groups on recovery related variables at Pre-Test and Post-Test. Results demonstrated a consistent pattern of improvement over the time measure. The results of the interaction of group and time demonstrated a pattern of gains which did not reach statistical significance, partially as an artifact of the small sample size. An investigation of effect sizes was conducted to detect the effect of SIS training. The training was found to have a moderate effect size, which was consistent with other research using SIS training. Some areas for possible future research were addressed.
Date: May 1999
Creator: Hardy, Rebecca B. (Rebecca Biggerstaff)
System: The UNT Digital Library
Alec Wilder's music for marimba: a performance guide, a lecture recital, together with three recitals of selected works of G. Stout, N. Zivkovic, D. Erb, W. Kraft, K. Abe, W. Penn and others (open access)

Alec Wilder's music for marimba: a performance guide, a lecture recital, together with three recitals of selected works of G. Stout, N. Zivkovic, D. Erb, W. Kraft, K. Abe, W. Penn and others

The intent of this dissertation is to provide a reference guide for any prospective performer of Alec Wilder's four works for marimba: Suite for Solo Guitar (1976), Suite for Trumpet and Marimba (1977), Suite for Flute and Marimba (1977), and Sextet for Marimba and Wind Quintet (1977). The first part of the dissertation provides background information pertaining to Wilder himself, the works for marimba, and theoretical aspects of Wilder's music. The second part addresses specific performance problems contained in the music. The dissertation culminates with the presentation of a performance edition of the marimba part of the previously unedited Sextet. This dissertation will facilitate and enhance future performances of these works. It is hoped that this document will serve to help perpetuate and sustain interest in these important compositions.
Date: May 1999
Creator: Waldrop, Michael Van
System: The UNT Digital Library
Ode to the Ninth: the Poetic and Musical Tradition Behind the Finale of Beethoven's Choral Symphony (open access)

Ode to the Ninth: the Poetic and Musical Tradition Behind the Finale of Beethoven's Choral Symphony

This study examines the finale of Beethoven's choral symphony and focuses on its inspirations and aims to invoke critical theories involving genre, namely genre's "horizon of expectation", and lead to an enriched perspective that points toward a number of compelling aspects of the Choral Finale overlooked by previous commentators.
Date: May 1992
Creator: Parsons, James, 1956-
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Guide for the Preparation, Analysis and Performance of the Brass Quintet Literature of Thom Ritter George, with Three Recitals of Selected Works by Bach, Bitsch, Handel, Torelli, Suderberg, Ketting and Others (open access)

A Guide for the Preparation, Analysis and Performance of the Brass Quintet Literature of Thom Ritter George, with Three Recitals of Selected Works by Bach, Bitsch, Handel, Torelli, Suderberg, Ketting and Others

An examination of the musical style, compositional techniques and performance practice issues of American composer Thom Ritter George with special attention paid to his Quintet No. 4 written in 1986. The document also includes a short history of brass instruments in chamber music, history of the brass quintet in America, discussion of the role of the trumpet in the quintet, overview of the composers contributions to music and brass quintet in America, discussion of the role of the trumpet in the quintet, overview of the composers contributions to music and brass quintet, and background information on the composer.
Date: May 1998
Creator: Stowman, William J. (William John)
System: The UNT Digital Library
Solution Studies of ⁶Li Enriched Organolithium Compounds Using New NMR Techniques (open access)

Solution Studies of ⁶Li Enriched Organolithium Compounds Using New NMR Techniques

With the values of 6Li T1 measured and the literature values of J(13C-6Li) for these compounds, three new 13C NMR techniques are developed for the analysis of organolithium compounds. Modifications to the spectrometer are discussed, as well as calibrations of the 6Li decoupler channel needed to set up these new experiments. The theoretical development of each technique is presented, as well as data from their verification, using organolithium compounds of known structure. Once qualified, the new experimental techniques are used to analyze a series of alkyllithium / lithium alkoxide mixed aggregates in solution, where structures and values of J(13C-6Li) may not be known. The combination of Ti relaxation measurements and 13C{1H, 6Li} triple resonance techniques serves as a means of determining the structure of organolithium aggregates in solution.
Date: May 1990
Creator: Ellington, Donald H. (Donald Howard)
System: The UNT Digital Library
Theobald Boehm and the History of the Alto Flute, Including the Facsimile Edition of His Arrangement of Beethoven's Largo From the Concerto for Piano, Op. 15, No. 1 for Alto Flute and Piano (C. 1858), With Three Recitals of Selected Works by Griffes, Telemann, Bartok, Jolivet, Gaubert and Others (open access)

Theobald Boehm and the History of the Alto Flute, Including the Facsimile Edition of His Arrangement of Beethoven's Largo From the Concerto for Piano, Op. 15, No. 1 for Alto Flute and Piano (C. 1858), With Three Recitals of Selected Works by Griffes, Telemann, Bartok, Jolivet, Gaubert and Others

An historical perspective of Theobald Boehm (1794-1881) and his design of the modem alto flute. Chapters I and II discuss the development of design, playing technique and repertoire of the ancestors of the modem alto flute beginning with the Renaissance consorts detailed in the treatises of Agricola, Praetorius and Mersenne, through the Baroqueflate d'amour and its use in the music of J.S. Bach, to Boehm's alto flute design (c. 1855) and its use in early twentieth-century orchestral and chamber repertoire such as Stravinsky's Le Sacre du Printemps (1911), ending with specific aspects of contemporary alto flute design and manufacture since 1950, including the innovations of Dutch flutemaker Eva Kingma. Chapters III and IV concentrate on Boehm's mechanical and acoustical developments for the concert flute in C, the resulting modem alto flute in G, and his career as a virtuoso flutist, teacher, and composer. Chapter V is a critical commentary on Boehm's arrangement of Beethoven's Largo from the Concerto for Piano, Op. 15, No. 1 for alto flute and piano (c. 1858). Appendices A and B include the facsimile of the unpublished Largo manuscript and a list of Boehm's works for alto flute.
Date: May 1997
Creator: Redcay, Andrea
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Stylistic Analysis of Fabrics, a Brass Quintet by John Stevens, a Lecture Recital, Together With Three Recitals of Selected Works of E. Gregson, B. Broughton, P. Hindemith, V. Holmboe, H. Stevens, J. S. Bach, and Others (open access)

A Stylistic Analysis of Fabrics, a Brass Quintet by John Stevens, a Lecture Recital, Together With Three Recitals of Selected Works of E. Gregson, B. Broughton, P. Hindemith, V. Holmboe, H. Stevens, J. S. Bach, and Others

A stylistic analysis of John Stevens' second brass quintet, Fabrics, which discusses the composer's use of orchestration, harmonic language, rhythmic activity, melodic and formal considerations, and performance practice issues. Collaboration between composer and performer is investigated, particularly through Stevens' status as member of the Wisconsin Brass Quintet, the ensemble for which Fabrics was composed. Biographical information about Stevens and the Wisconsin Brass Quintet is provided, with appendices providing information regarding Stevens' activities as composer and performer and the activities of the Wisconsin Brass Quintet. Stevens was extensively interviewed as source material for this dissertation.
Date: May 1999
Creator: Spies, David Edward
System: The UNT Digital Library
Michael Tippett's piano sonata No. 1: A study of his eclectic approach to the sonata form in the twentieth century, and three recitals with works by Beethoven, Bartok, Bach/Busoni, Schumann, Mozart, Ginastera, Barber, and Chopin (open access)

Michael Tippett's piano sonata No. 1: A study of his eclectic approach to the sonata form in the twentieth century, and three recitals with works by Beethoven, Bartok, Bach/Busoni, Schumann, Mozart, Ginastera, Barber, and Chopin

The intent of this dissertation is to investigate Michael Tippett's eclectic approach to the sonata form in the twentieth century as demonstrated in his Sonata No. 1. Topics of discussion include historical background of English music, particularly the English piano sonata, at the turn of the century (chapter 1), biographical information and a general overview of Tippett's music (chapter 2), a brief examination of Tippett's Sonata Nos. 2, 3, and 4 (chapter 3) and a formal analysis of Sonata No. 1 as well as Tippett's approach to contrapuntal techniques, rhythm, harmony and tonality (chapter 4). In addition to the lecture recital given on February 1, 1999, three others were given: the first recital, on April 3, 1995, contained works by Beethoven, J.S. Bach/Busoni, and Bartok: the second recital, on February 5, 1996, included works by Schumann, Mozart, and Ginastera: and the third recital, on January 2, 1998, featured works by Barber and Chopin.
Date: May 1999
Creator: Kwak, Stacy (Stacy Joo Yeon)
System: The UNT Digital Library
Assessing the Feasibility of Developing a DBAE Curriculum in Qatar Utilizing Multimedia Technology (open access)

Assessing the Feasibility of Developing a DBAE Curriculum in Qatar Utilizing Multimedia Technology

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of developing an art curriculum in Qatar, using the principles of the DBAE curriculum in conjunction with technology. Many of the challenges facing art educators and the art curriculum in Qatar can be approached through the multimedia applications of DBAE, which will provide instructors and students with an opportunity to more readily interact with visual art and to discover its educational relevance. Additionally, this study attempted to discover whether teachers are engaged in implementing technology in the art classroom and whether they are given the opportunity to engage in art to their satisfaction.
Date: May 1998
Creator: Al-Hamad, Wafaa
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Transcription of Three Arias from The Barber of Seville, by Gioacchino Rossini, for Solo Euphonium and Large Brass Ensemble, with Three Recitals of Selected Works by E. Bozza, A. Capuzzi, J. Koetsier, A. Ponchielli, and Others (open access)

A Transcription of Three Arias from The Barber of Seville, by Gioacchino Rossini, for Solo Euphonium and Large Brass Ensemble, with Three Recitals of Selected Works by E. Bozza, A. Capuzzi, J. Koetsier, A. Ponchielli, and Others

Document accompanying a transcription for solo euphonium and large brass ensemble of three arias, "Ecco ridente in cielo," "Largo al factotum," and "A un dottor della mia sorte," from Gioacchino Rossini's opera The Barber of Seville. Includes overviews of the arias' texts and contexts, orchestrational techniques in the transcriptions, the history and definition of the term "euphonium," and the history of the large brass ensemble in the United States.
Date: May 1998
Creator: Pollard, Louis M. (Louis Melvin)
System: The UNT Digital Library
An Epidemiological Survey of Musculoskeletal Pain Among a Self-Selected Population of Organists (open access)

An Epidemiological Survey of Musculoskeletal Pain Among a Self-Selected Population of Organists

The purpose of this study was to investigate problem areas of organists' performance as indicated by common experiences of pain. The research problems were to determine the specific areas of the body that were affected by pain, to determine the perceived level of that pain on a scale indicative of its severity, and to explore the relationship between demographic and performance-related factors within the population and specific area of reported pain. An examination of the demographic, performance-related, and pain data, as well as subject comments, indicated possible relationships of the pain experience to other factors. Organists attributed their pain to instrument characteristics, such as keyboard action, music rack height, bench design, and pedalboard shape. Pain was also associated with the time spent playing the organ, playing literature which required large reaches and rapid passage work, such as french toccatas, or playing with incorrect posture. To explore these relationships to spinal and upper extremity pain, further research is indicated.
Date: May 1998
Creator: Dillard, E. Margo (Edna Margo)
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Performer's Analysis of Benjamin Britten's Phaedra, Dramatic Cantata for Mezzo Soprano and Small Orchestra, op. 93: a Lecture Recital, Together with Three Recitals of Selected Works of H. Purcell, R. Schumann, R. Vaughan Williams, P. Tchaikovsky, G. Fauré, K. Löwe, G. Menotti, S. Barber and Others (open access)

A Performer's Analysis of Benjamin Britten's Phaedra, Dramatic Cantata for Mezzo Soprano and Small Orchestra, op. 93: a Lecture Recital, Together with Three Recitals of Selected Works of H. Purcell, R. Schumann, R. Vaughan Williams, P. Tchaikovsky, G. Fauré, K. Löwe, G. Menotti, S. Barber and Others

A little-known chamber work by Benjamin Britten is the dramatic cantata Phaedra, op.93, for mezzo-soprano and small orchestra. Among his chamber works, the solo cantata was a musical form used only once by Britten, thus making Phaedra unique among Britten's oeuvre. Britten chose a genre that flourished in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the cantata - as a vehicle for the story of Phaedra. He employs clear allusions to Baroque music in Phaedra by the use of harpsichord and continuo in the recitatives, ornamentation, and word painting. The text for Britten's setting of Phaedra is a translation of Jean Racine's Phedre by the American poet Robert Lowell. From Lowell's complete play, Britten extracted Phaedra's key speeches that deal with her three confessions of incestuous love for her stepson, Hippolytus. These monologues are set in a series of recitatives and arias that make up the entirety of this chamber cantata. In order to gain complete understanding of Phaedra, this document will begin with an investigation into the historical background of Racine's Phedre and the conventions of French tragedy from which it arose. Lowell's translation method will then be explored in comparison to Racine's play. In turn, Britten's extractions from Lowell's translation …
Date: May 1999
Creator: Beard-Stradley, Cloyce (Cloyce May)
System: The UNT Digital Library