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Eternal problems, eternal themes: Suite on Words of Michelangelo Buonarotti, Op. 145 of Dmitri Shostakovich

Bender, J. Dennis
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1243356934

Abstract Details

2009, DMA, University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music : Voice.
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) used the poetry of Michelangelo as a summation of his creative life as a composer, not only identifying with Michelangelo’s personal, political and creative struggles, but with much of his world-view and philosophy as well. This document discusses those elements of the Michelangelo Suite that epitomize the techniques and concerns of Shostakovich’s late works. Specifically, these elements are the increasing importance of text-based composition, the use of twelve-note themes, the use of the DSCH motive, and self-quotation. These characteristics are then examined in context with his relationship with Benjamin Britten.Shostakovich’s 12-note writing developed as an expansion of his already chromatic language, and in context of an overall tonal framework. As such, 12-note themes are used symbolically rather than serially. Chapter Two of the document details the use of 12-note themes prior to the composition of the Michelangelo Suite and those found in the Suite. Another important trait in the late works is Shostakovich’s use of his musical signature, the DSCH motive. The third chapter will consider differences in Shostakovich’s use of the motive prior to the Michelangelo Suite, and in the Suite itself. Musical self-quotation is not strictly limited to Shostakovich’s late works, however they abound in these last works and serve to link them together. Chapter Four examines the use of self-quotation in the Michelangelo Suite and other works. The fifth chapter discusses aspects of Shostakovich’s musical style that seemed to be meaningful to Britten, and the importance and influence of Britten on Shostakovich’s late works.
Kenneth Griffiths, Prof. (Committee Chair)
David Adams, Prof. (Committee Member)
Kenneth Shaw, Prof. (Committee Member)
115 p.
Music
Shostakovich; Suite on Words of Michelangelo Buonarotti, Op. 145

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bender, J. D. (2009). Eternal problems, eternal themes: Suite on Words of Michelangelo Buonarotti, Op. 145 of Dmitri Shostakovich [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1243356934

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bender, J. Dennis. Eternal problems, eternal themes: Suite on Words of Michelangelo Buonarotti, Op. 145 of Dmitri Shostakovich. 2009. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1243356934.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bender, J. Dennis. "Eternal problems, eternal themes: Suite on Words of Michelangelo Buonarotti, Op. 145 of Dmitri Shostakovich." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1243356934

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1243356934
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© 2009, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.