The musical influence of continental Europe in art song repertoire of Great Britain, the United States, and Canada

Abstract

This document is the result of the research done in preparation for the two thesis-recitals given in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Performance. The recitals and the document are devoted to selected art song composers from Great Britain, the United States, and Canada.

The purpose of the research was to obtain a historical and stylistic understanding of the repertoire to be performed in the thesis-recitals. The methodology used for the elaboration of this document included review of relevant literature, score analysis, listening to recordings by major performers, and the preparation for performance itself. The first chapter is focused on the fact that Great Britain’s most distinguished composers have been influenced by musical practices from the European continent. John Dowland, Henry Purcell, Benjamin Britten, and the composers from the so-called British Musical Renaissance are taken into account.

The second chapter is dedicated to three major figures in art song composition in the United States: Charles Griffes, Samuel Barber, and Ned Rorem. The chapter highlights the fact that these composers share two important features: their styles have roots in musical practices of continental Europe and today they are considered among the most truly American voices.

The third chapter focuses on Jean Coulthard, Violet Archer, and R. Murray Schafer as examples of how Canadian composers have used the European artistic heritage in the process of creating their own styles.

The document concludes that, in addition to creativity and personal artistic values, two other factors seem to have been important in allowing this group of composers to become models of the national voice of their own countries: a strong awareness of musical and literary heritage and an open acceptance of foreign influences.