Notes on Three Dissertation Performances

Abstract

Three recitals were performed in lieu of a written dissertation, each accompanied by detailed program notes that provided essential context, including thematic connections, historical background, composer biographies, analyses of compositions, and translations of song texts. These program notes served as a foundation for the artistic and interpretive choices made in performance. The first recital explored the theme of nighttime imagery through three song cycles by Louis-Hector Berlioz, Clara Schumann, and Michael Head. Spanning French, German, and English traditions, these works showcased distinct musical approaches to poetry that evoke love, longing, and nocturnal reflections. The second recital highlighted the contributions of women composers, featuring works by Amy Beach, Nadia Boulanger, Alma Mahler, and Valerie Capers. A central piece in this recital was Les heures claires, a collaborative song cycle by Nadia Boulanger and Raoul Pugno. Nadia Boulanger is primarily known as a teacher, having mentored many renowned musicians, making it particularly intriguing to explore her compositional work. This song cycle is especially notable as it is rare to find a song cycle composed jointly by two composers. The third recital focused on world folk songs and compositions inspired by folk traditions. This program included works by Joaquín Rodrigo, Francis Poulenc, Bohuslav Martinů, Joseph Canteloube, and Luigi Zaninelli, alongside Chinese composers HUANG Zi, AO Changqun, CHAO Ran, and SHI Fu. The recital featured songs in six languages—Spanish, Polish, Czech, Auvergnat, English, and Chinese—demonstrating the stylistic diversity and cultural richness inherent in folk-inspired compositions. The performances were as follows: Recital 1 was held on March 10, 2024, in Britton Recital Hall, Moore Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan, with Amanda Raymond, piano; Recital 2 took place on October 4, 2024, in Stamps Auditorium, Walgreen Drama Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, with Dr. Taylor Flowers, piano, and Ami Matsushita, cello; Recital 3 was performed on February 21, 2025, in Britton Recital Hall, Moore Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan, with Dr. Taylor Flowers, piano.