This study provides background information, International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcriptions and pronunciations, poetic translations, and pedagogical analyses of ten Francesco Paolo Tosti songs. Included is the connection between the rhythm and meter of the poetry and its’ influence on Tosti’s setting of the text to music. In addition, a portion is devoted to an overview of pedagogy, specifically, appoggio, registers and passaggi in the lyric tenor voice, range and, as well as chiaroscuro. This document addresses potential vocal challenges presented for the lyric tenor voice within each song, as well as the benefits. In particular, suggestions for vowel modifications in the passaggi of the lyric tenor voice in relationship with the provided IPA transcription are addressed. Finally, by gathering all of the necessary information on Aprile, Non t’amo più, Luna d’estate, Preghiera, La serenata, Ideale, A vucchella, In van preghi, L’alba sepàra dalla luce l’ombra, and L’ultima canzone, this performance guide creates a concise tool for teachers and singers in the vocal studio seeking ideal performance practice suggestions.

Master of Music / Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance / Reginald L. Pittman / This Master’s Report extensively examines repertoire written for the lyric tenor voice. The text will explore the compositions of Francesco Paolo Tosti, Richard Strauss, Ernest Chausson, and Jake Heggie’s song cycle, Friendly Persuasions: A Homage to Poulenc. The text provides biographical information on each composer, text and translations, figures and interpretations, and some pedagogical insight. The pieces discussed are Tosti’s La Serenata, Non t’amo più, and Ideale; Strauss’s Morgen, Traum durch die Dämmerung, and Die Nacht; Chausson’s Printemps triste, Hébé, and Le temps des lilas; and Jake Heggie’s song cycle Friendly Persuasions: A Homage to Poulenc (2008). The graduate recital was presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Music degree in vocal performance on April 1, 2017 at Kansas State University in All Faiths Chapel. The recital featured the talents of tenor Mitchell Jerko and pianist Randall Frye.