Honors Theses
Beyond Technique: An Examination of Musical and Textual Expression from Baroque to Twentieth Century
Date of Award
2013
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Music
First Advisor
Bradley Robinson
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Although vocal technique is an important element in the execution of any type of good singing, it is only meant to facilitate the transmission of a message, emotion or feeling. All composers put great thought into conveying this message through their settings, and it is up to the performer to follow their directions and to interpret independently when there are none given. In this regard, the vocalist becomes the conduit of the composer, bringing their wishes to life and adding their own personality and interpretive slants. Additionally, there are conventions of each specific period to which the pieces belong that must be observed. The result of this amalgamation is a layering of meaning beyond the intent of the composer. Meaning is always inherent in the music and text on the page before it is performed, but it is brought to life through the performers’ interpretation. Tempo, diction choice, word stress, dynamic level, vocal color, motif emphasis (by the pianist), piano and vocal relationship, and even physical choice help to shape meaning a great deal. In addition to giving a historical overview of each period and piece, this discourse will also examine how the performers’ choices convey the meaning of the works. This work is meant to function as an accompanying booklet detailing the history of the works being performed. There is an extensive process of preparation that goes into performing a recital, and often, the research that is done is a process of discovery not only about the correct performance style of the music, but also about the lives and style of both the poets and composers. Program notes do not often include much of the information found through this intense preparation process. This thesis is meant to serve as an extended performer ‘s journal to this specific recital. It is meant as a manual through its inclusion of information regarding the style and prevailing expressive conventions of each period, which may assist the performer in making informed decisions regarding the interpretation and execution of the musical elements.
Recommended Citation
Moore, Charles Anthony, "Beyond Technique: An Examination of Musical and Textual Expression from Baroque to Twentieth Century" (2013). Honors Theses. 2239.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2239
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