Degree Name
Master of Music
Department or Program
Music
Advisor
Davenport, Susan G.
Abstract
As a choral conductor, there are several factors to take into consideration when programming literature for the choral ensemble. These factors will influence the methods one will use in teaching this literature, informing the conductor of all the necessary information he or she needs to bring the score to life. One must consider the historical era in which the piece was composed, the background on the composer and poet, as well as have an understanding of the general characteristics of its style. One must observe the range and tessitura of the piece and determine if the ensemble is technical capable of performing it well. A conductor must analyze the technical aspects and elements of the music, as well as understand the meaning of the text and the ways in which the music reflects the meaning and mood of the text.
This document will review choral literature selected for a chamber men’s ensemble made up of singers varying in ability from collegiate advanced to moderately skilled. And that the music selection was governed by limited rehearsal time within two 50 minute rehearsals over a six-week period of time. Several considerations for teaching and interpreting the score are included in each chapter, in addition to professional-grade recordings of some of the pieces analyzed in this document.