Thesis (PhD) -- Stellenbosch University, 1988. / This dissertation analyses the style of the published instrumental works of Hugo Distler (1908-1942). Emphasis is placed on the innovative aspects of the style rather than on the rejuvenation of older stylistic models, this latter feature having up to the present received more attention than any other. An examination of the concept of style analysis in general as well as the problems arising from its application specifically to the instrumental works of Distler prepares the ground for an investigation of the principles on which the style is based. To begin with these principles are presented hypothetically and then verified by way of detailed discussion and numerous examples from the music itself. It is argued that they result from a style of remarkable integrity. A distinction is made between general stylistic principles (which include a linear-additive principle, a vocal principle and the principle of play) and specific structural principles. The latter are explained as specific realizations of the former on a structural level. Consequently the innovations on this level are described in great detail. This forms the main body of the dissertation. The terminology thus developed is then applied to an examination of melodic, harmonic, rhythmical and formal characteristics. It is found that an appropriate analysis and apt description of the style is possible in this way. The most important result of the investigation is the finding that Distler's style represents a highly original contribution to the search 'for a way to overcome the conventional tonal style without, however, resorting to atonality.

This study discusses Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's appointment to the Prussian Court of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV, Mendelssohn's relationship with the Court (both personal and professional) and the numerous difficulties encountered with this appointment. In addition, Mendelssohn's musical responsibilities and personal feelings toward the cities of Leipzig and Berlin, Berlin's choral traditions (including a brief history of the Berlin Domchor) will also be discussed. Mendelssohn's op. 78, op. 79 and Die deutsche Liturgie written for the Berlin Domchor reflect the sometimes competing demands of the traditional liturgical genres (e.g. Masses, psalms, motets), which are more "objective" in nature and the far more "subjective" elements inherent in the Romantic "ideal" of expression. This study deals exclusively with the unaccompanied choral compositions written for the Berlin Domchor with particular emphasis given to op. 78 - Drei Psalmen, and op. 79 - Sechs Spruche.

Although Micheelsen is recognized in Germany as a distinguished composer involved with the "renewal and rejuvenation" of sacred music in the first half of the twentieth century, little of his music is known to American choral conductors. (Only two of his pieces are presently published in English by an American publishing company.) The purpose of this study is to document Micheelsen's role as a composer, performer and educator in Germany since the mid-thirties and to make a detailed study of the compositional style and technique used in his sacred choral works.Micheelsen's first creative period (1930-1945) developed from his experience as a student connected with the Singing Movement, the Schutz Movement, the Liturgical Movement and his work with Paul Hindemith. Although Micheelsen looked to the past for inspiration, he tried to imbue his music with the spirit of his own time. He continually stressed the need to look forward in art and welcomed new music that was stylistically compatible with older styles.The second creative period (1945-1973) shows the influences of the many new styles prevalent in Germany after World War II. These influences can be seen in Micheelsen's increased use of all twelve tones of the chromatic scale, an increase in his use of chromaticism and larger vocal ranges, and his experiments with serialism.Micheelsen carried on the developments of the renewal in sacred music as the Director of the Church Music School in Hamburg and as Department Chairman of the Sacred Music Department in the Hamburg Hochschule fur Music. Until his retirement in 1962, Picheelsen was a leader in the education of church musicians and in the rebuilding of musical life in Germany after.the Second World War.In all his creative work, Micheelsen maintained a commitment to a style of music which emphasized melodic (linear) elements as a basis for composition. He placed a great emphasis on the relationships of text and music. His technique recalls, but does not copy, the contrapuntal style of Renaissance vocal music and puts vocal technique at the center of all his music.

Thesis (MMus) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation is an account of Paul Hindemith's life between 1919 and 1939 with special reference to his compositional development through the three sonatas for viola and piano. The introduction to the dissertation initially provides a list of Hindemith's vast output for the viola followed by insight into the reason and need for undertaking this research, literary sources used and their function in the context of this study and the conclusion that there is a lack of extant research on the three sonatas for viola and piano. This is followed by comments on Hindemith as a viola player and composer, supported by opinions of scholars and performers. An overview of the contents and aim of the dissertation completes the introduction. This first of the two comprehensive chapters briefly discusses Hindemith's character traits as viewed by a number of scholars and continues by introducing the political, social and financial circumstances in Germany in 1919. The chapter progresses into a division of the period 1919-1939 into six sub-sections of dates within this time span. Each section focuses on the political, financial and musical circumstances in Hindemith's life, with special attention given to the periods of greatest change and conflict. Included in this chapter are also the specific circumstances surrounding the composition, first performances and publication of the three sonatas for viola and piano, alongside mention of other works written at the same time. This is supported by references and quotations from correspondence between Hindemith and his wife, colleagues and friends, as well as translations of newspaper articles, letters and articles which thus far have not been translated into English. Special attention is given to possible reasons for the late publication of op.25 no.4 in 1977. Chapter 2 looks deeper into the significance, success and development of Hindemith through these three works. His stylistic development beginning with the influences of Debussy and Reger, his identification with the 'Neue Sachlichkeit' until the beginning of his later conservatism can be seen clearly in these three works. The aim of the study is to assimilate the available information into an accurate and coherent picture of the composer's life and stylistic development between 1919 and 1939 in a way that has not been presented before. It is my intention through this work that the unique style of the sonatas as well as their important place in the viola repertoire is apparent, and consequently of interest to other viola players, hopefully encouraging them to play the works themselves. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie tesis word Paul Hindemith se lewe tussen 1919 en 1939 beskryf, met spesiale verwysing na sy ontwikkeling as komponis soos dit waargeneem kan word in die drie sonates vir altviool en klavier. Die inleiding tot die tesis verskaf 'n lys van Hindemith se omvangryke oeuvre vir die altviool, gevolg deur 'n motivering waarom hierdie studie onderneem word. Die omvattende literatuurstudie dui daarop dat daar tot op datum baie min navorsing oor die drie altvioolsonates gedoen is. Vervolgens word kommentaar gelewer op Hindemith as altviolis en komponis, ondersteun deur opinies van uitvoerende kunstenaars en musikoloë. 'n Oorsig oor die inhoud en die doelstellings van die tesis sluit die inleiding af. Die eerste van die twee omvattende hoofstukke begin met 'n bespreking van Hindemith se karakter, gevolg deur 'n oorsig oor die politieke, sosiale en ekonomiese omstandighede in Duitsland rondom 1919. Die tydperk 1919-1939 word dan in ses onderafdelings verdeel. Elke onderafdeling plaas die fokus op spesifieke politieke, finansiële en musikale omstandighede in Hindemith se lewe. Die jare waarin konflik en verandering op besondere wyse na vore tree word meer omvattend bespreek. Teen die agtergrond van ander werke uit hierdie tyd word die spesifieke omstandighede rondom die komposisie, eerste uitvoering en publikasie van die drie altvioolsonates in detail beskryf. Dit word aangevul deur verwysings na en aanhalings uit korrespondensie tussen Hindemith en sy vrou, kollegas en vriende, sowel as deur vertalings van koerantartikels en briewe wat tot dusver nog nie in Engels beskikbaar was nie. Hoofstuk 2 plaas die klem op Hindemith se stilistiese ontwikkeling, soos dit in the drie sonates waargeneem word. Die sonates illustreer Hindemith se ontwikkeling vanaf sy bewondering vir Debussy en Reger, oor sy vereenselwiging met die ideale van die 'Neue Sachlichkeit' tot by die meer konservatiewe benadering wat hy later gevolg het. Hierdeur word gepoog om die unieke waarde van die sonates, asook die belangrike plek wat hulle in die algemene altvioolrepertorium beklee, te beskryf. Hopelik sal die studie die belangstelling van altvioliste wek en hulle aanmoedig om die werke ook self te speel. Die doel van die studie is dus om die beskikbare inligting tot 'n samehangende en akkurate beeld van die komponis se lewe en stilistiese ontwikkeling tussen 1919 en 1939 te voeg op 'n wyse wat nog nie voorheen gedoen is nie. Hierdeur word gepoog om die unieke waarde van die sonates asook die belangrike plek wat hulle in die algemene altvioolrepertorium beklee, te beskryf. Hopelik sal die studie die belangstelling van altvioliste wek en hulle aanmoedig om die werke ook self te speel.