Degree Name

Master of Music

Department or Program

Music

Advisor

Davenport, Susan G.

Abstract

Franz Joseph Haydn is regarded as one of the pillars of the Classical era. Often regarded as the father of the symphony and string quartet, Haydn was equally involved in vocal music. Haydn’s Te Deum for the Empress Marie Therese is a multifaceted work composed near the end of his life in 1799. This short work was conceived on a large scale, and exhibits elements found in his symphonies. Composed in three clearly delineated sections, the work is through-composed and transitions from one section to the next without large breaks. Given the simple key of this work, one may be quick to believe that this piece will be easy to learn. In preparing to perform this work I discovered that this seemingly straight-forward piece presents many challenges. These challenges include such items as the changes of tempi, the execution of the musical expressiveness, and the text. A general understanding of Classical era performance practices and the structure of this work needs to be attained in order to give an accurate performance of this piece. To provide some guidance in preparing this piece, one will find a short biography of Haydn’s life, the history of the Te Deum, a formal analysis of this work, some rehearsal considerations, and a review of recordings within this document.

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