This thesis investigates the theory and practice of song criticism from a primarily literary perspective. It maintains that much contemporary song criticism deals inadequately with the complex relationships between verbal, vocal and musical texts that comprise the three basic elements of the modern song. To justify this claim, and to grasp how the current situation might have arisen, the thesis delves into the history of song and traces its developments. It concludes that modern and classical song differ in ways that the "serious vs. popular" debate do not address: autonomy of authorship, frame of reference, and proper context for interpretation. To remedy this situation, the thesis anatomizes modern song and outlines a "top-down" approach to song criticism with lyrics as the primary frame of reference, supplemented by emotive cues found in the music and vocal performance. Concurrently, the anatomy is put into practice, using examples from the unofficial canon of modern song.

This dissertation analyzes Dryden's dramaturgical use of or reference to song, dance, and music as they contribute to plot, character, and setting in The Wild Gallant, Sir Martin Mar-All, The Tempest, An Evening's Love, Marriage A-la-Mode, The Assignation, The Mistaken Husband, The Kind Keeper, and Amphitryon. An appendix lists all songs printed out in these comedies.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Glasgow, 2008. / Ph.D. thesis submitted to the Department of English Literature, University of Glasgow, 2008. Includes bibliographical references. Print version also available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Princeton University, 1910. / Bibliography: p. [175]-178.

Thesis (doctoral)--Rijksuniversiteit te Utrecht, 1982. / Summary in German. Includes indexes. Includes bibliographical references (p. 207-208).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Rutgers University, 2010. / "Graduate Program in Literatures in English." Includes bibliographical references (p. 243-256).

Inaug.-Diss.--Erlangen. / Lebenslauf. "Literaturverzeichnis": p. 7.

Issued also as dissertation, Bonn.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Universität Zürich, 1944. / Vita. "Lieder von Heinrich Leuthold. Mit einer Singstimme von Carl Spitteler" (p. 205-206). Includes bibliographical references (p. 206).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Minnesota, 1964. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 315-324).