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An Analysis and Comparison of Music Appreciation Books for the Junior High School and the High School
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze and compare a selection of books that can be used in the teaching of music appreciation in the junior high school and the high school.
Charles Ives and a Stylistic Analysis of his Three Piano Sonatas
This thesis has been written with several goals in mind. The first purpose has been to inform the reader about the life of Charles Ives and the influences he experienced that gave him the impetus to experiment and write music of a nature thirty years ahead of its time, while the rest of the world was basking in the waning light of Romanticism. The second purpose has been to describe in a short space general characteristics that may be found throughout the entire musical output of Ives. The third purpose has been to analyze in greater detail the major portion of his contributions to piano literature, the three piano sonatas, so that the student may better understand the complexities which will face him in performance of these compositions. Perhaps the strongest motivation for the present study has been the hope that it might induce more students to be explorers themselves and become familiar with this music of Ives.
Beethoven's Piano Sonata Op. 111 in its Historical Perspective
This thesis presents a brief history of the sonata form until the time of Beethoven. It also discusses Beethoven's use of the sonata form, and how it applies to his op. 111 piano sonata.
The Clarinet in the Symphony Orchestra from Mozart to Rimsky-Korsakov
The purpose of this thesis is to show through the presentation and analysis of authoritative information, together with opinions drawn from the information and analyses, how the clarinet grew in its function as a member of the symphony orchestra.
An Historical and Technical Analysis of the Mozart Horn Concerti
This thesis presents an historical and technical analysis of the Mozart horn concerti.
Stravinsky's use of the Trumpet and Cornet
This thesis examines the history of the use of trumpet and cornet, and analyzes their use in several Stravinsky pieces: Petroushka, The Rite of Spring, L'Histoire du soldat, and Ragtime. The study concludes that Stravinsky, at the time of the composition of the analyzed pieces, was instrumental in elevating the cornets and trumpets to a more important position in the orchestra.
A Study of the Solo Songs of Charles Ives
The purpose of this thesis is to give the prospective performer an insight into the content of the vocal solos of Charles Ives and to give the student and musicians in general an understanding of the musical devices employed by Ives and of his position as a song writer.
A Comparative Study of Harmonic Tension in Hindemith's Piano Sonatas and in His Theoretical Writings
The purpose of this paper will be to compare the Hindemith theory of harmonic tension as set forth in his book, Craft of Musical Composition, with his actual use of harmonic tension in compositional practice. The compositions used for this study are Hindemith's Sonaten für Klavier, published in 1936, consisting of three sonatas*. Although these pieces were published one year before the theory book, it seems reasonable to assume that Hindemith was at least formulating the ideas that would go into his book, and quite possibly was already writing it. The copyright date of the book is 1937. Therefore, any conclusions derived from the following analysis will not be affected to any degree by the time lapse between the writing of the two works in question. Analysis of the Sonaten für Klavier by Paul Hindemith reveals the fact that each of the sonatas is very different from the other two; hence, conclusions which apply to all three works are not generally possible.
The Italienisches Liederbuch of Hugo Wolf
This study was undertaken with the purpose of affording some insight into the musical aims and composing methods of Hugo Wolf and of showing his position in the history of the German Lied and his contributions to the development of this form through the analysis of one part of his work. This study of the history of the Lied and examination of the Italienisehes Liederbuch of Hugo Wolf has led to certain conclusions. The first is that Wolf truly stands as the culmination of Romantic activity in the Lied form. This has been ascertained by a comparison of his ideals and techniques of song writing with those of the earlier Lieder writers, Schubert and Schumann, and of Wagner. The second is that Wolf made certain distinctive contributions to the Lied. Among these are his application of Wagnerian principles to the form of the Lied in their refinements as characterizing motives (from the Leitmotiv), free metric accents (from speech-song) and use of the accompaniment to intensify expression through faithful rendering of details of the text. Another contribution is his distillation of harmonic practices into the purest expressive materials which made possible his miniature style. Still another contribution is his elevation of the accompaniment to a position equal with the vocal part, making both parts of an expressive whole. Another is his piercing psychological insight which utilized musical resources for the most subtle dramatic delineation.The third is that the Italienisches Liederbuch owes many of its stylistic features to the subject matter and formal structure of the poems on which it is based. The fourth conclusion is that these songs reveal a musical style which is indeed compact and devoid of nonessentials, achieving a maximum of expressiveness with a minimum of means.
An Interpretive and Compositional Analysis of the Songs of Yrjö Kilpinen to Poems by Christian Morgenstern
This study examines the the songs of Yrjö Kilpinen and their use in the poems of Christian Morgenstern.
The Masses of Schubert
The background of the mass may be considered from many angles. This present discussion concerns itself with the early development of the form. Since the mass is a Catholic rite, the Catholic viewpoint is followed in religious matters. The purposes of this paper are to provide backgrounds for the Catholic tradition of mass and for Austrian composer Franz Schubert, and to analyze the masses written by Schubert.
Evolution of the Scherzo Through Beethoven
It would be impossible to trace the evolution of the form of the scherzo without treating also to some extent the history of the minuet, as the scherzo would hardly have come into being in the way it did had there not been the minuet, even though as the scherzo grew to maturity it resembled less and less its parent-form. This thesis examines the early use and origin of the scherzo, and its use and evolution in the works of Beethoven.
Hebrew Origins and Vocal Practice of Music in the Early Christian Church to 500 A.D.
This study aims to show all known knowledge of singing in the earliest days of the biblical New Testament. The practices of the early Christian church in respect to singing are traced during the period directly following that covered by the New Testament and carried forward to around the year 500 A.D. The study aims to learn, insofar as available sources permit, all that we may know today of singing in the earliest days of the New Testament Church. Both Old and New Testaments will be searched for all references to song, and particular attention will be directed to the meaning of St. Paul's reference to "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" in an effort to determine the meaning of these three items.
The Evolution of Violin Technique from Monteverdi to Paganini
The purpose of this thesis is to show through the presentation and analysis of authoritative information, and opinions drawn from the information and analysis, the development of violin technique from its basic rudiments as an accompanying instrument to the plane of a brilliant solo instrument, a position it still maintains today. This thesis aims to deal exclusively with the technical evolution of the violin. Many books on the history of the violin have been written, but none have dealt exclusively with the technical evolution of this instrument, and it is hoped that the materials in this thesis will constitute a contribution to this field.
Stravinsky's Use of the Piano in his Orchestral Works
This study seeks to examine and describe the use of the piano in Stravinsky's Neo-Classical and Russian periods, as well as provide a history on the use of the piano of an orchestral instrument.
The Use of Isorhythm in Arnold Schoenberg's Third and Fourth String Quartets
The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the use of isorhythm in two of Arnold Schoenburg's chamber works, the Third and Fourth String Quartets. The study of rhythm in twelve-note music has been generally relegated to a position less prominent than that held by the study of any of the other important aspects of the style. This condition is due probably to the fact that rhythm underwent less change with the advent of the twelve-note school of composition than melody, counterpoint, or harmony experienced. However, Rufer states that "rhythm has a special formal function in Schoenberg's twelve-note music, in addition to its motivic function and to that of creating subdivisions.
The Trumpet in Chamber Music During the 20th Century
The purpose of this thesis is to trace the history of the trumpet in chamber music through the first half of the 20th century. It aims to discuss the technical advances in the instrument and demonstrate the importance of the trumpet in this medium. Chamber music is defined, in this thesis, as all serious instrumental music for two or more instruments played with one instrument to a part. The selections have been chosen on the basis of recognized merit of the composer, the variety of instrumentation, and the availability of music.
The Musical Value of Ten Band Class Methods for Junior High School Level
The purpose of this thesis is to present a detailed evaluation of the musical value in ten leading class band methods suitable for use in the junior high school. Presentation of tone production, mechanics of the instruments, and placement of beginning tones are discussed only when the value of the music is directly involved.
The Accompanied Solo Song of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries
The purpose of this thesis is to discuss the changes and developments of the accompanied solo song throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, including instrument usage and song types.
John Playford and His Introduction to the Skill of Musick
To provide a background for this study, an attempt has been made to correlate the facts known about Playford's life and work. The examination of the treatise has two main objectives: 1. to give an exposition of the material presented by Playford (which includes not only theory of music with examples, but also instructions on singing and on playing the viol and the violin, as well as a number of musical compositions); and 2. wherever possible, to discover the sources used by Playford in writing the treatise.
Heinrich Schütz
This work is a study of the historical and social background, the life and the compositions of Heinrich Schutz.
The Development of Modern Solo Trumpet Literature as Traced through the Morceaux de Concours at the Paris Conservatory
The purpose of this thesis is to give the reader an insight into the development of solo trumpet literature as well as to present historical information concerning the development of the trumpet and the effect it had on the literature written for that instrument. Only music originally written for trumpet will be considered as the many transcriptions of older music that now appears are not characteristic of the idiomatic writing for trumpet at that time.
An Analysis of the Works for Solo Trumpet by Alan Hovhaness
The purpose of this study is to determine the general style characteristics of the works for solo trumpet by Alan Hovhaness, viz., Khrimian Hairig, Overture to Avak, Prayer of Saint Gregory, and Haroutiun. The musical elements of form, melody, harmony, tonality, rhythm, texture, and counterpoint are examined objectively in order to determine the essential features of the music. Further consideration is given to the idiomatic use of the solo trumpet in these compositions. Each composition is examined separately, the conclusions and generalizations of the style features being reserved for the final chapter.
A Study of Rhythm in Bach's Orgelbüchlein
The present study is limited to Bach's Orgelbüchlein. The OB has been chosen because it represents a "closed" group of works which are in the same general style.
Dichterliebe by Robert Schumann
The purpose of this work, an analysis of the song cycle Dichterliebe (Op. 48) by Robert Schumann, is to recognize the special features of the songs which will contribute to their understanding and musical interpretation and performance. The Dichterliebe was chosen as the composition to be analyzed because of its prominent position in the vocal literature of the Romantic period.
The Analytical System of Hindemith and Schenker as Applied to Two Works of Arnold Schoenberg
This thesis uses two different musical analytical systems, one of Heinrich Schenker and one of Paul Hindemith, to analyze tonality within "Die Gurre Lieder" and "Fourth String Quartet" by Arnold Schoenberg.
The Vocal Solos from the Incidental Dramatic Music of Henry Purcell
In this study, every effort has been made to cover the principal factors in the solos from the incidental music which are peculiar only to this part of Purcell's work. The melody and text have been of primary concern. The effects of the social and economic background of the times and the actual dramatic setting of the songs are given careful attention. It is not the purpose of this work to study the harmonic style of Purcell. This is admittedly a most intriguing and attractive subject. However, as the principal accompaniment is the continuo and the implied harmonies of his figured bass are not always clear the harmonic style will not be treated as an element of the solos. It is fully worthy of individual treatment which would be free to draw upon the vast instrumental examples of his work in a comprehensive study of his style. A complete survey of the songs is included in Appendix D for reference and for the information of the reader. It is hoped that the reader will be encouraged to pursue a closer study of these songs, and to consider their possible use today.
Gustav Holst as a Choral Composer: His Life, Factors Influencing His Compositions, His Place in English Music, and a Consideration of the Principal Stylistic Elements of His Choral Music
"An amiable personality, not himself an unusually passionate man, HoIst has excited more violent passions than any other contemporary English composer. How difficult he is to assess as a creative artist is perhaps indicated by the extraordinary fluctuations in his reputation." For a number of years he was completely unknown and ignored, living a quiet and unhurried life as an obscure teacher. Then with a momentary flash, after outstanding works such as "The Planets," and the "Ode to Death," he was caught up in a wave of public approval that made him, for a time, the recipient of national and even international honors. He was awarded the gold medal by the Royal Philharmonic Society, was made a Fellow of the Royal Col.ege of Music, and was offered honorary degrees by American universities.
A Descriptive Analysis of the Preludes (Book 1) of Claude Debussy
The purpose of this thesis is to discuss and give a descriptive analysis of twelve of the twenty-four preludes written by Claude Debussy. This paper also includes a brief history of preludes as well as possible influences upon Debussy and his compositions.
The Organ Works of Healey Willan
Although Willan is first and foremost a musician of the church, it is obvious that he has not cloistered himself in the organ and choir loft, as it were. As a composer he has written significantly in many fields, and as a teacher he has had a major influence in shaping the musical thought of a boundless number of Canadian musicians. As a musician of the church he has kept alive the great English traditions and made his own laudable and abundant contributions to church music practices. One of the first Canadian musicians of wide eminence, he has set an example worthy of the attention of younger Canadians who will contribute to the musical development of the nation.
A Comparative Study of Three Sonatas for Solo Brass Instruments and Piano by Paul Hindemith
In the years during the writing of The Craft of Musical Composition, and for the next few years afterwards, Hindemith was engaged in writing a solo sonata for each of the instruments of the orchestra. Muser states that this series of sonatas continues a definite policy of providing music for people who want to play music, and not merely to listen to it. The three sonatas for solo brass instruments and piano were written during this period. The sonatas, written for trumpet, horn, and trombone, were written in the following order: Sonata for Trumpet and Piano—1939; Sonata for Horn and Piano—1939; Sonata for Trombone and Piano—1941. These sonatas, being written rather closely together, should have certain stylistic characteristics in common, and there should also be certain features peculiar to each sonata. To study these sonatas and compare them with each other structurally and stylistically is the purpose of this work.
A Survey of the Musical Background of Representative Students at North Texas State College
"The purpose of this thesis is to compare the musical background prior to college of one-hundred music majors and one-hundred non-music majors made up of students from each department." leaf 1
The Earliest Operas of Giuseppe Verdi with Emphasis Upon Ernani
This thesis provides a brief history of opera as well as analysis of the operas of Giuseppe Verdi.
Beethoven's Choral Fugal Technique
It is the purpose of this thesis to offer some pertinent information in the form of a documentary symposium and analytical study in which historical and technical matters relative to Beethoven's fugal techniques in his choral compositions will be presented. References to specific musical examples in this composer's works will be illustrated by diagrammatic and verbal analyses, and correlated with the pagination of the scores of his complete works as published by Breitkopf and Hartel.
An Analysis of William Walton's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
The rhythmic analyses (derived from the rhythm tables of Chapter II) reveal: 1. Walton used rhythms sparingly. 2. Walton's rhythms constitute an evolutionary state of re-creation, i. e., Walton's rhythms are in empathy with each other. The harmonic analyses (derived from the harmonic fluctuation tables of Chapter II) reveal: 1. The most frequent chords of any classification occur in groups III and IV (chords of the highest tension). 2. The most frequent dissonant interval used is that of the major seventh.
A Survey of Musical Background and an Analysis of Mexican Piano Music 1928 to 1956
The Revolution of 1910 in Mexico marked a great political and social upheaval. At the same time a recasting of Mexico's music occurred. Modern Mexican music is a unique combination of the influence inherited from Europe and the indigenous music of the country. This work attempts to trace the development of that combination. Chapter I gives a background of music in Mexico through Pre-Cortesian times, the colonial period and the operatic nineteenth century. Chapter II deals with the men who shaped present day music in Mexico. Chapter III is an analysis of selected twentieth century piano works. The analysis shows the tendencies of ten Mexican composers in their use of melody and rhythm. It includes a discussion of harmonic structure and tonality. The composers whose works were chosen for consideration in the analysis range from Manuel M. Ponce, considered the father of modern Mexican music, to Carlos Chavez, recognized as the outstanding exponent of music in Mexico today.
The Concert Arias of Mozart for the Bass and Tenor Voices
The concert arias of Mozart are probably among the least known works of this genius among composers, yet they represent no small part of his musical output and are scattered throughout every period of his life. He composed a total of fifty-seven in all, the first when he was only nine years old and the last one in the final year of his life. Mozart's fifty-seven concert arias are divided among the four voice groupings as follows: one for alto, eight for bass, ten for tenor and thirty-eight for soprano. Of these soprano arias one (K. 569)l is lost and two (K. 307 and K. 308) are merely ariettas on French texts. It is with the eighteen arias for normal male voice that this discussion will be primarily concerned; arias for the castrati voice will not be considered.
The Early Piano Sonatas of Prokofiev
The purpose of this thesis is to give a descriptive look at modern Russian music, specifically the early piano sonatas of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev, with focus on style and style influences.
A Report and Evaluation of a Graduate Internship in Music Education
Advanced courses, more or less related, resulting in a research problem and a thesis are the procedures for graduate work as prescribed and accepted in most fields of study. Is it worth while to try other and possibly less accepted procedures, and then attempt to evaluate the results? For example, would it be profitable for a prospective teacher to spend the major part of his graduate work in actual teaching, to have an opportunity to do intensive work over a long period of time in collaboration with an experienced teacher or supervisor, and to choose his graduate courses so as to relate them to the teaching being done? Is there justification in giving a graduate student the opportunity to try out in a laboratory the ideas gained from academic and professional training, to have further experiences in working with boys and girls, and to develop skills in working with students and other teachers? Would the personal and professional growth of the graduate student, from his related courses, his preparation and planning for the teaching job ahead, his experiences with his students, his adaptation of previous plans to meet the needs of the actual teaching situation, the assembling of materials as to suitability and interest and the arranging of these materials to meet the needs of individuals as well as the groups he taught, be effective ways to prepare and develop a skilled teacher?
Music and Information
The application of information theory to music may provide both a means for measuring the information content of the messages .of the system and for studying the effects of such messages in the field of psychology of music (e.g., the group at Iowa University which is carrying on work commenced by Carl Seashore 3 ). Before the techniques of information theory may be applied to a study of music much statistical data about the music system must be compiled. Masking data must be compiled dealing with many simultaneous tones as are encountered in music; the effects of timbre in overcoming or adding to masking effects must be investigated; the effects of masking on and by the singing voice must be tabulated; and similar data must be compiled dealing with the effects of other types of tonal interactions. This data of the effects of tonal interactions may be used both to reduce the effects of such auditory phenomena and to determine which components of a message pass through the communication channel (i.e., the ear). The masking problem, as illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, may be so acute in some compositions that the part of the signal carrying the information content may be obliterated. These illustrations indicate, however, that effects of masking and other forms of tonal interactions may be reduced This study has indicated, further, that elimination of the effects of tonal interactions is impossible if a wide range of dynamic intensities is used, but that these effects are limitations of the transmission channel and thus restrict the choice of tones of the musical system which may be used at one time.
Treatment of the Leading Soprano Roles in Selected Operas of Benjamin Britten: Peter Grimes, The Rape of Lucretia, Albert Herring, and Gloriana
Benjamin Britten is one of the foremost contemporary English composers. He has successfully revived English opera, dead since Purcell, and this is one of his most significant contributions to the contemporary music world. Therefore, the purpose of this document is to give the reader some insight into Britten' s operatic style. The first chapter contains a sketch of Britten's life with particular reference to his operas, along with general characteristics of his writing. The following chapter has been devoted to a closer consideration of four of his2 operas: Peter Grimes, ;Theof. Lueretia, Albert Herring, and Gloriana. Since an analysis of entire operas would exceed the limitations of this paper, the soprano role has been selected as representative of Britten's operatic style. The vocal score of Turn of the Screw was not available for this study, and his other operas do not contain soprano roles. With each analysis a brief synopsis of the plot is included as a background for the musical analysis. Following the plot is a general treatment of the outstanding style features of the role. In order to present another facet of Britten's writing, the specific analysis of each soprano role is handled from a thematic standpoint. That is, the role is scrutinized for important recurring motives, the significance of these motives is noted, and examination made of their relationship to the opera as a. whole. Reti's Thematic Process in Mlusic has proved an invaluable guide to this type of analysis.
An Appraisal of Six Series of Music Textbooks for Grades One, Two and Three
The education program in America began with the self-contained classroom and is today gradually moving back to that concept. It is believed that more attention can be given to the interests, needs, and abilities of the pupil if he is allowed to remain in his home room with his teacher throughout the school day. This is especially true in the primary grades. In many cases the primary teachers have only the minimum requirement by law of six hours credit in music.9 Furthermore, it is known that many primary teachers have little or no supervision from a music specialist. It is with these facts in view that this tabulation is needed for aid in the appraisal and selection of textbooks available for the teaching of music in grades one, two and three.
A Digest of Published Opinions About the Teaching of Music Reading in the Elementary School
Throughout the history of public school music in the United States, one of the problems which has continually been in the foreground is that of music reading, It is primarily a problem for the elementary school as that is the place where reading must begin in order for the children's interest and ability to be balanced. The elementary school is the focal point for the teaching of all skills and tools in learning. Certainly, reading is one of the major tools in the process of musical learning. In many cases the ability of the students to read music has been the basic criterion of the entire music program. Davison states that the aim and end of a large percentage of instruction has for so long been to train students to sing music at sight that it has grown to be a fetish. While such a standard as that is an over-emphasis of reading, most music educators will agree that the place of music reading in the elementary school is of utmost importance. The differences of opinions lie not so much in the goals to be reached as in the methods of reaching them. The purpose of this study is not to weigh these various methods as to their usefulness. It is rather to survey as many publications as possible concerning the teaching of music reading in the elementary school and to make a digest of the opinions found in them. In agreement with Mursell's statement that anything can be taught effectively in a considerable number of ways,2 it is the writer's belief that there is no one best method for teaching music reading. The desired outcome of this study is to present an adequate digest of the material published about various methods in order that these lines of thought may …
Television in Education: a Survey of Current Practices and a Consideration of Its Applicability to the Field of Music
The use of television as an aid to music education is a relatively new and unexplored field. It is so new, in fact, that to undertake a study of what has been accomplished until the present may seem at first rather premature and unfruitful. It is my belief, however, that if television is to become the prominent factor in education that has been predicted, there is a definite need for a study of what has been done to date toward the development of this new medium. This will provide the background and foundation for further experiment and use. The study shall include, therefore, a brief history of television itself, general educational experiments in television, experiments in televised music education, problems involved in presenting musical television programs, and suggestions for the development of this newest of teaching aids.
The Soprano Role in Handel's Operas
The purpose of this study is to give some insight into the soprano role in Hgndel's operas in comparison to the other roles. From a total of forty operas written, thirty-eight have been published and will be considered in this thesis. There is a complete analysis of each soprano role, but only a few outstanding arias are discussed in detail. The study of the soprano role is preceded by a chapter on Handel's career, styles,and his operas today.
A Transcription into Modern Notation of a Chansonnier (Fonds Francais 2245) of the Duke of Orleans, with Commentary and Concordance
Fonds Français 2245 is a fifteenth-century chansonnier of the Duke of Orleans which is property of the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, France. This thesis describes the document and provides commentary and transcriptions.
A Style Analysis of Three Representative Piano Sonatas of Alexander Scriabin
Analysis of Sonatas no. 1, 4, and 10
Modality in Three of the Choral Works of Ralph Vaughan Williams: Mass in G Minor, Five Tudor Portraits and Te Deum in E Minor
To summarize in general the use of modes by Vaughan Williams, it could be said that the works that have been analyzed are characterized by frequent use of the traditional modes, but in a very free manner. The "Kyrie" of the Mass, "Pretty Bess," "Jolly Rutterkin" and Te Deum are confined somewhat closely to given modes, with some changes of mode, changes of tonality and use of altered chords. The "Gloria," "Credo," "Sanctus," "Osanna I," "Benedictus," "Osanna II" and "Agnus Dei" of the Mass, however, contain many striking chromaticisms. These chromaticisms are the result of use of many altered chords, a good deal of modulation and much combining of modes, often with startling cross-relations. The use of seventh chords in "Pretty Bess," "Jolly Rutterkin" and Te Deum further complicates the picture from that of the sixteenth century.
The Origin and Development of the Clavier Dance Suite to J.S. Bach
A history of the evolution of dance music throughout time and the instruments used for each type of dance.
A Critical Study of Three Violoncello Suites by J.S. Bach
This thesis is a critical study of three violoncello suites of Johann 8ebastian Bach from the performer's point of view. Its purpose is to determine the comparative differences and similarities of several well known editions including the Bach Gesellschaft edition and the Pablo Casals recording. It will explain a few of the many discrepancies and provide adequate reasons for given suggestions and preferences concerning dynamics, tempi, ornamentation, bowing styles, and other elements of performance. By stating a brief historical background of the evolution of the violoncello and the development of musical form and style, it is possible to conceive Bach's ideas and intentions as he wrote the collection of six suites.
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