Alberto Grau is arguably one of the most influential contemporary Venezuelan choral composers and conductors of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This thesis explores the synthesis of Venezuelan nationalism with global internationalism found within his works. As a student of the nationalistic generation of composers (Vicente Emilio Sojo, Juan Bautista Plaza, and Ángel Sauce) Grau's works display the distinct characteristics found in Venezuelan music. His output also exhibits international influences, using texts associated with social and environmental events and concerns including literary and musical influences of other nations and cultures. The first section of the thesis traces the lineage of Venezuelan choral composers beginning with the colonial period and the Escuela de Chacao to the nationalistic composers from the Santa Capilla generation. The second section describes Alberto Grau's compositional style as exemplified in his work Kasar mie la gaji (The Earth is Tired). The final section of the document comprises interviews with Alberto Grau and his wife, the Venezuelan choral conductor, María Guinand. Guinand studied piano and conducting with Alberto Grau and was his assistant at the Orfeón Universitario Simón Bolívar and the Schola Cantorum de Caracas. She is the founding conductor of the Cantoría Alberto Grau and the editor of the Latin American division of Earthsongs Music. Through interviews and analysis this project informa the reader about the life and compositions of Venezuelan choral composer and conductor Alberto Grau.

This document represents an initial endeavor in a long-lasting aspiration to pursue the study and collection of Latin American choral literature. This essay compiles the most complete and current catalogue possible of choral works written by nine Venezuelan composers born in the twentieth century and presents it in a simple and accessible format so it can be used by a variety of school teachers, choral conductors, church musicians, college directors, and professional musicians. Each composer entry presents a brief biographical note and a list of works organized in alphabetical order. The annotation for each composition includes information in eighteen categories. It also includes an extensive list of biographical resources. In addition, a list of terms and definitions of folkloric and traditional genres will help the reader understand the diversity of Venezuelan musical styles and dances; there is some additional information with regard to performance practice.