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ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Thoughts for soprano and orchestra

Jacob, Lindsey
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1367943723

Abstract Details

2013, DMA, University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music: Composition.
Thoughts, a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, embodies mystical and metaphysical properties with beautifully imaginative imagery that elevates one to another place. This text reveals the mysterious qualities of thoughts and the influence thoughts have on peoples’ actions. Even though the text was written in the early 20th Century, her philosophy of positive thinking remains relevant to contemporary society, supporting many peoples’ belief that American culture is too steeped in negativity. This piece sweeps through various states of mind via episodes of stylistically different musical material. Soloistic woodwind passages interweave with motor-like motivic string passages. Although the solo soprano line functions as the center of attention when it conveys text, there are also moments when the soloist sings timbrally and texturally rather than textually driven lines, blending amidst the orchestral sonorities. An important structural moment occurs during a brass feature, before the first statement of “love.” This passage of text details the power of love and how even unspoken love can increase the world’s light. Wilcox’s text is reminiscent of a Biblical passage in John 1: “Lux lucet in tenebris” [Light shines in the darkness]. While these texts hail from differing spiritual points of view, they share philosophical and symbolic associations concerning the essence of thoughts, words, life, love, and light. This literary connection is represented musically through the use of quotation; the chords stated in the horn soli are quoted from a children’s chorus statement of “Lux lucet in tenebris!” in George Crumb’s Star Child. The placement of these chords parallels the literary association in that Crumb’s music often addresses themes of light and dark.
Mike Fiday, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Joel Hoffman, D.M.A. (Committee Member)
Douglas Knehans, D.M.A. (Committee Member)
40 p.
Music
voice and orchestra; soprano and orchestra; soprano; Ella Wheeler Wilcox; quotation;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Jacob, L. (2013). Thoughts for soprano and orchestra [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1367943723

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Jacob, Lindsey. Thoughts for soprano and orchestra. 2013. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1367943723.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Jacob, Lindsey. "Thoughts for soprano and orchestra." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1367943723

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1367943723
291
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.