Date of Award

Fall 9-2021

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

School

Music

Committee Chair

Jonathan Yarrington

Committee Chair School

Music

Committee Member 2

Kimberley Davis

Committee Member 2 School

Music

Committee Member 3

Jay Dean

Committee Member 3 School

Music

Committee Member 4

Christopher Goertzen

Committee Member 4 School

Music

Committee Member 5

Douglas Rust

Committee Member 5 School

Music

Abstract

The inclusion of the Hungarian National dance in Viennese operetta during the height of the genre’s popularity expresses an intricate relationship between two nations in the Austro-Hungarian Empire during a time of immense change. Examining the Hungarian elements of the Csárdás in the compositions of three operettas provides a deeper understanding of Hungarian influence in Viennese operetta culture and performance. While there is a wealth of information on Hungarian folk music, there is a gap in the application of this knowledge within the operetta genre. This document’s primary purpose is to explore the exotic Hungarian musical folk elements found in the Csárdás, providing a broader perspective of where these elements came from in the contextual lineage of operetta and how they helped build the character of what is typically identified as Viennese operetta. This paper will elaborate on the primary discussion by examining three vocal settings of the Csárdás by Strauss II, Kálmán and Lehár, thus offering practical examples for singers wishing to explore Hungarian aspects of Viennese operetta.

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