Olivier Messiaen's compositions for voice, though less widely known than his instrumental works, span some forty years and comprise a fifth of his total output. They have hitherto not been subject to much attention. A study of the elements comprising the vocal lines and accompanying instrumentation from the piano-voice song set, Trois melodies (1930), to the vast orchestral-choral La Transfiguration de Notre Seigneur Jesus-Chlist (1969) reveals, amongst other characteristic and evolving features, the emergence of a unique, simulated, plainchant style and its subsequent transformation into incantation with suitably modified accompaniment. While wide-ranging, chromatic and rhythmically free vocal lines are typical of many twentieth century compositions, Messiaen's use of such features is found to be novel, by virtue of the peculiar modal and temporal ambits within which he operated. Vocal delivery is progressively expanded from conventional bel canto production to humming, howling,and eventually speech and percussive sounds and reaches an apotheosis in the virtuoso effects of Cinq Rechants (1949). This recedes somewhat in La Transfiguration, which displays instead a wealth of hybrid plainsong-type writing. Choral works are interesting in that the emphasis shifts from standard part-writing to monody or accompanied unison singing, with an attendant absence of characterised solo parts. By constantly varying the colour of the single melodic line with different permutations of voice types, timbre assumes a new importance, particularly in La Transfiguration. The study of the texts, most of which were conceived by the composer simultaneously with the music, contributes much to the understanding of each work. Biblical symbolism in the early lyrics is progressively enriched by references to numerological, mythological and nature symbolism, mixed in an increasingly Surrealistic manner. The gradual incorporation of emotive phonemes in the texts, culminates in the invented language of Cinq Rechants. The thesis thus reveals an evolving yet persistently idiosyncratic vocal style, which establishes Messiaen as one of the most original composers of his time. It further demonstrates that his vocal works are an important component of his total oeuvre and also a significant contribution to twentieth century vocal literature.

abstract: This paper and its accompanying recital examine three solo vocal works by Italian composer Alfredo Casella (1883-1947): "Larmes" from Cinq Mélodies (Op. 2); "Mort, ta servante est à ma porte" from L'adieu à la vie: Quatre lyriques funèbres extraites du "Gitanjali" de Rabindranath Tagore (Op. 26); and "Amante sono, vaghiccia, di voi" from Tre canzoni trecentesche (Op. 36). Each of these songs is discussed as representative of Casella's three compositional periods. A fourth song, "Ecce odor filii mei" from Tre canti sacri per baritono et organo (Op. 66), is also examined, as an end-of-life composition. Some of the more important solo vocal works composed in each period are mentioned to show where the four selected songs fit into Casella's compositional output and to suggest music for further study or repertoire. / Dissertation/Thesis / D.M.A. Music 2014

Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University / Statement of Problem The purpose of this thesis is to find, list and give a short description of vocal solos with English texts which will contribute to the meaning of the Protestant service. These solos must be 1) worshipful, 2) well-written, and 3) by first-rank composers. A worshipful text adds to the beauty, meaning and knowledge of the Christian philosophy. A good text is directly related to the service of which it is a part. Many arias from sacred oratorios are not good church solos because the texts pertain to the dramatic story of the oratorio rather than to the meaning of a religious service. [TRUNCATED]

No description available.

The purpose of this report is to present a plan of study for a course in vocal pedagogy.

There is no abstract available for this thesis. / School of Music

Originally presented as the author's Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Tübingen, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (v. 1, p. 467-478) and indexes.

Dissertation (D.M.A.)--The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p.(viewed May 27, 2009). Advisor: Welborn Young; submitted to the School of Music. Includes bibliographical references (p. 59-63).

Originally presented as the author's Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Tübingen, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (v. 1, p. 467-478) and indexes.

Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2007. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 68-06, Section: A, page: 2239. Adviser: Donna Buchanan. Includes Grigory Gerenstein's English translation. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 217-231) Available on microfilm from Pro Quest Information and Learning.