Summary of Dissertation Recitals: One Operatic Role and Two Recitals of Vocal Music

Abstract

One operatic role and two vocal recitals were performed in lieu of a written dissertation with the aim to present mastery in style, language, and intent within the classical vocal and operatic literature. The operatic role was Pluton in Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s La descente d’Orphée aux enfers which demonstrated knowledge of baroque style, stagecraft, and proficiency in the French language. The second dissertation recital focused on female composers and poets from the baroque through contemporary era, with music by Barbara Strozzi, Clara Schumann, Jake Heggie, Daniel Zlatkin, and Lena McLin. The final dissertation recital presented diverse compositions from the turn of the nineteenth century, with works by Johannes Brahms, Manuel de Falla, Gustav Mahler, and Georges Bizet. The two recitals included works with piano, tenor voice, and continuo. The operatic role featured a baroque chamber orchestra.