| Description |
xi, 144 pages : illustrations, music ; 28 cm |
| Note |
Vita. |
| Thesis |
Thesis (D.A.)--University of Mississippi, 2008. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-132). |
| Form |
Also available online via ProQuest to authorized users. |
| Note |
"June 2008." |
|
Major Professor: Bradley Robinson |
| Summary |
Abstract: One of the greatest challenges facing voice teachers is the assignment of appropriate vocal repertoire and there are few resources that offer discussions on appropriate contemporary American vocal literature. The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed resource intended to be used by the voice teacher and singer in the study and performance of selected vocal works by Lori Laitman. Since 1991, Laitman has composed nearly 170 art songs on the texts of fifty poets. Her songs encompass a variety of styles and difficulty levels, and are written for all voice types. Most of her songs were conceived as cycles unified by particular poets, subject matter, or themes. While the majority of her song cycles are for voice and piano, it is common for Laitman to compose cycles that require the use of other instruments in addition to or instead of the piano. I examined nine published song cycles whose content totaled thirty-six songs. In selecting songs for this study certain criteria were taken into consideration including only published song cycles, those song cycles written for voice and piano, and cycles originally written for the soprano voice. Through a pedagogical focus on technical and stylistic elements, a difficulty level (moderately easy, moderately difficult, and difficult) was assigned to each of the compositions in order to facilitate the introduction of Lori Laitman's music to the voice teacher and singer. This examination of Laitman's music will clarify its value in the studio as a teaching tool and for its artistic worth on the recital stage. My pedagogical analysis consisted of the examination of melodic contour, rhythm, tonality, range, tessitura, dynamics, and marginalia. Upon examination, Laitman's songs vary in style, mood, textual interest, expressive characteristics and vocal difficulty making them excellent teaching tools by providing opportunities for skill development of legato singing, vocal flexibility, diction skills, dynamic and rhythmic variations and dramatic interpretation. |
| Subject |
Songs -- Instruction and study -- United States.
|
|
Songs -- Instruction and study. |
|
United States. |
|
Songs. |
|
Songs -- United States -- Analysis, appreciation.
|
|
Laitman, Lori, 1955- -- Criticism and interpretation.
|
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Laitman, Lori, 1955- |
|
Criticism and interpretation. |
|
University of Mississippi. Department of Music -- Doctoral Essays.
|
|
University of Mississippi. Department of Music. |
| Genre/Form |
Academic theses.
|
|
Academic theses.
|
| Added Author |
Laitman, Lori, 1955-
|
|
University of Mississippi. Department of Music.
|
|
