abstract: Louis Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) was a pioneer of 19th century Romanticism in France. In the mid-19th century, he broke the traditional mold by connecting poetry and music through French song. This development transformed French song from the simple and structured Romance of the 18th century into the structural freedom of what he established as the a Mélodie. His song cycle Les nuits d’été, op 7 was composed first for voice and piano in 1841 and later arranged for voice and orchestra in 1856. After the 1856 orchestral version was completed, Les nuits d’été received greater recognition than it had from its original scoring for voice and piano. This paper examines three major aspects to Les nuits d’été. First, it will discuss the reasons why Berlioz re-scored the work for orchestra and transposed the vocal part for various voice types in this later orchestral version. Second, it examines the difference between musical interactions in these two versions by comparing the existing scores of each version with its respective accompaniment based on Berlioz's use of word painting. Finally, this paper provides the author's original transcription of Les nuits d’été in a version for voice and piano that incorporates the later orchestral versions which were not included in the original version for voice and piano. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Music 2017

Libby Larsen’s The Birth Project (2015) is a groundbreaking song cycle which centers around pregnancy and childbirth. Until this song cycle, no art song had dealt with this topic in first-person narrative. This is surprising, given the total fertility rate of about 2.5 children per woman. After a brief biographical background of Libby Larsen and her output, the sociological implications of such a song cycle in the canon of music is explored. The topic is contextualized among other art forms, modern and ancient, showing that art song is the only place where such a dearth in pregnancy and childbirth stories exist. The texts are explored fully: author biographies, text sources, meaning, and Larsen’s text settings. An analysis of Larsen’s compositional features within the cycle is then presented, connecting text meaning to the theoretical elements in the music. An interview with Libby Larsen offers unique insight into the project’s genesis. This interview, combined with the author’s contributions, unite to form a guide to interpretation in order to assist performers as they prepare the work.

abstract: This project details specific placement and usage of the Clara motive in Robert Schumann’s Dichterliebe. The analysis categorizes the motive according to its different shapes and relationships to the poetry in Dichterliebe. Four main permutations of the motive are discussed in great detail: the original motive, inverted motive, retrograde motive, and retrograde inverted motive. Schumann (1810–1856) composed more than 160 vocal works in 1840, commonly referred to as his Liederjahr. At the time, Schumann and Clara Wieck (1819–1896) were planning to marry, despite the objections of her father Friedrich Wieck (1785–1873). Robert was inspired to write Dichterliebe because of the happiness-and anxiety-surrounding his love for Clara, and the difficulties leading to their impending marriage. Schumann used the Clara motive (C-Bb-A-G#-A), which incorporates the letters of her name, throughout the song cycle in special moments as a tool of musical expression that alludes to his future wife. Eric Sams (1926–2004), a specialist of German Lieder, has made significant contributions to the research of the Clara motive in Schumann’s music (through his book The Songs of Robert Schumann). However, research into specific locations and transformations of the Clara motive within the Dichterliebe are still insufficient. A further awareness of the Clara motive’s inner working is intended to help performers interpret this song cycle. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Music 2019

This paper addresses the crucial need for comprehensive guidance in repertoire selection and technical development for pre-collegiate collaborative pianists. By compiling an annotated repertoire list, this research aims to assist teachers and pianists in navigating the developmental stages of collaborative piano work. The guide focuses on establishing foundational skills and techniques necessary for effective collaboration with various instruments, emphasizing the pianist's role as a musical partner. Drawing from the University Interscholastic League (UIL) list, the repertoire choices span a range of musical styles and periods, ensuring a balanced progression of difficulty. The paper talks about essential collaborative piano techniques, including hand and wrist position, physical coordination, listening, voicing, balance, pedaling, and breathing, providing a comprehensive overview to aid in successful ensemble performances. Each piece in the repertoire list is accompanied by detailed performance notes, addressing both pianistic and ensemble considerations. Additionally, the difficulty levels of the compositions are assessed with reference to established pedagogical literature. By offering a structured approach to repertoire selection and technical development, this annotated guide serves as a valuable resource for pre-collegiate collaborative pianists and their instructors, facilitating their growth and proficiency in collaborative music-making.

abstract: "Play less and listen more" is the prevailing wisdom whenever two musical partners are having ensemble issues that interfere with their music-making. Accompanists, coaches, and collaborative pianists across the nineteenth and twentieth centuries devote many pages to these situations and explain what to listen and look for. An overview of this literature establishes a standard canon of ensemble issues for collaborative pianists working with a single partner, whether vocal or instrumental. The overview also discusses the various solutions these authors recommend for these problems. However, in exceptional moments of rehearsal or performance, the foregoing advice fails. After comparing several passing observations in these standard works with the author's own experience, a paradoxical situation becomes evident: at times, what works instead of listening more is listening less. As the author describes through multiple musical examples and commentaries, ignoring one's partner for a brief moment can benefit the duo's ensemble and artistry. The application of this principle is both narrow and wide-ranging and is meant to serve as a secondary course of action. It is decidedly not a replacement for the standard advice on coaching and collaborating, for such advice is successful far more often than not. However, it can be utilized when the collaborative pianist deems it the most successful and prudent solution to an ensemble situation that has remained problematic. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Music 2015

The objective of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of the rehearsal plan in the preparation of Brazilian art songs. This disquisition proposes a rehearsal plan model based on the concept of the class plan used in the field of education. The rehearsal plans were applied in a series of rehearsals with two singers at North Dakota State University in which we worked on four art songs composed by the Brazilian composer Francisco Mignone (1897-1986). This qualitative study adopted the autoethnography as research method. In this autoethnographic research I worked both as researcher and as pianist in the rehearsals. This disquisition relied upon two axes of theoretical framework, one musical and one educational: the musical axis was formed of studies regarding performance and preparation of art songs as developed by Katz (2009), Kimball (2006), Stein and Spillman (1996), Moore (1984), Bernac (1978), and Adler (1971). The educational axis was based on the studies of Libâneo (2006) and Coll, Pozo, Sarabia, and Valls (1998) and provided the concept, philosophical basis, structure, and applicability of the class plan. This educational axis also included studies supporting the effectiveness of the rehearsal plan in various musical contexts, such as Gorelick (2001), Brunner (1996), and Figueiredo (1990). The research data revealed that the rehearsal plan was an effective pedagogical tool in the preparation of Brazilian art songs. The rehearsal plans provided outlines of clear objectives and focused rehearsal strategies and facilitated the development and application of specific rehearsal strategies for art song performance preparation. The plans also promoted connectivity between rehearsals and a sense of accomplishment for the pianist and singers. In addition, the rehearsal plans detailed the preparation of Brazilian art songs with respect to three distinct dimensions of knowledge: conceptual, practical, and attitudinal.

Throughout the history of Western art music, the Bible has been a rich source of inspiration for many composers. Driven by their own spiritual beliefs, they create faith-inspired pieces, conveying the meaning of the texts. Shinuh Lee (b. 1969) approaches biblical texts to not only express her profound Christian faith, but also reflect the origins and nature of human existence, pondering the universal pain and emotions that humans suffer in the world, providing a consoling message. This dissertation explores the beliefs Lee holds, and studies the unique compositional language used to express her own faith and a Christian message. The first and second chapters provide an overview of Lee’s biography and compositional background and style, dividing it into two periods that reflect this shift in her approach. The third chapter explores several composers who took inspiration from the Bible and Christianity, and how they drew inspiration from, and expressed belief in, their music, examining their influence on Lee and her compositional style. The fourth chapter includes a brief presentation of Lee’s selected works for solo instrument and piano. The fifth chapter presents a detailed analysis of Lament, O–the Daughter of Zion, exploring the interrelationship between text and music, and musical form and motives, facilitating a more authentic and well-rounded performance.

abstract: This research paper examines Guillaume Lekeu's Sonata for Piano and Violin (1892) from the perspective of a collaborative pianist, providing historical background, an analysis of the work's musical structure, and performance practice insights. Each chapter offers the performer a deeper understanding of various aspects concerning the work, including an in-depth analysis of cyclical features used by Lekeu. Lekeu was strongly influenced by his teacher, César Franck, and in particular by Franck's use of cyclic techniques, which profoundly impacted Lekeu's Sonata for Piano and Violin. The cyclic treatment, which includes cyclic themes, cyclic motives, and non-cyclic themes is discussed, enabling performers to achieve a relevant structural approach to this work. A performance guide includes practical advice for the interpretation and performance of the work, along with piano pedaling suggestions. The integration of these aspects enables a pianist to gain a better understanding and appreciation of Lekeu's Sonata for Piano and Violin. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Music 2018

abstract: ABSTRACT Musicians endure injuries at an alarming rate, largely due to the misuse of their bodies. Musicians move their bodies for a living and therefore should understand how to move them in a healthy way. This paper presents Body Mapping as an injury prevention technique specifically directed toward collaborative pianists. A body map is the self-representation in one's brain that includes information on the structure, function, and size of one's body; Body Mapping is the process of refining one's body map to produce coordinated movement. In addition to preventing injury, Body Mapping provides a means to achieve greater musical artistry through the training of movement, attention, and the senses. With the main function of collaborating with one or more musical partners, a collaborative pianist will have the opportunity to share the knowledge of Body Mapping with many fellow musicians. This study demonstrates the author's credentials as a Body Mapping instructor, the current status of the field of collaborative piano, and the recommendation for increased body awareness. Information on the nature and abundance of injuries and Body Mapping concepts are also analyzed. The study culminates in a course syllabus entitled An Introduction to Collaborative Piano and Body Mapping with the objective of imparting fundamental collaborative piano skills integrated with proper body use. The author hopes to inform educators of the benefits of prioritizing health among their students and to provide a Body Mapping foundation upon which their students can build technique. / Dissertation/Thesis / D.M.A. Music 2013

abstract: The purpose of this research is to create a new piano reduction of Carl Nielsen’s Flute Concerto. Danish composer Carl Nielsen was born in 1865 and died in 1931. His compositional focus on orchestral writing made him renowned for his symphonies and concerti for flute and clarinet. Today his concerti are often performed by both professional musicians and students. The first published piano reduction of the Flute Concerto was issued in 1952 by the composer’s son-in law, Emil Telmányi, who was a Hungarian violinist and conductor. This reduction was published by Samfundet til Udgivelse af Dansk Musik. In 2003, as part of The Carl Nielsen Edition, Edition Wilhelm Hansen published a new revised edition of the concerto. The piano reduction of this edition was written by Danish pianist Per Salo, and is the most frequently used by pianists today. This edition contains much information pertaining to the orchestration, but this often causes the piano part to become challenging or unplayable in many passages. For collaborative pianists, playing concerti requires both the ability to imitate the orchestral sound, and to understand and show the main ideas of each passage. However, as this concerto is often performed in universities by flutists and pianists of different skill levels, creating a simplified version of the piano reduction will support many pianists by helping them to learn this music in a more approachable and easily performable context. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Music 2019