Date of Award
Fall 12-2012
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
Department
Music
Committee Chair
Maryann Kyle
Committee Chair Department
Music
Committee Member 2
Taylor Hightower
Committee Member 2 Department
Music
Committee Member 3
Larry Smith
Committee Member 3 Department
Music
Committee Member 4
Edward Hafer
Committee Member 4 Department
Music
Committee Member 5
Joseph Brumbeloe
Committee Member 5 Department
Music
Abstract
The purpose of this dissertation is two-fold: to discuss the nationalistic characteristics in Gerald Finzi’s life and in his mature compositional style, and to discuss both the beliefs he held and the struggles he faced during his life, and how these themes are integrated into his work for voice and piano Before and after Summer, op. 16.
Before and after Summer was not conceived as a cycle, but its songs are tied together by similar poetic themes and emotional impact, so despite the fact they were composed as individual entities they form a coherent collection from beginning to end.
Chapter II will discuss British nationalism as a way of life for Finzi, as exhibited in his day-to-day living, his values, and his music. Finzi’s nationalism will be explored in his music through of discussion of the pastoral stylistic tendencies found in his cycle Before and After Summer, a mature work for Finzi, comprised of songs written primarily within the mid to late 1940’s (Finzi died in 1956). His style will be discussed in terms of poetry choice, melody, texture, accompaniment, and atmosphere.
Chapters III, IV, and V will discuss themes of inner conflict that resonated throughout Finzi’s life and are likewise reflected in Before and after Summer. Some of the most salient aspects of Finzi’s identity, these themes include religion and dogma, war and pacifism, and youth versus the passing of time. The events that shaped these themes will be discussed as will the means by which they were translated into artistic terms. The presence of these themes in Before and after Summer will be traced as will the style and compositional techniques Finzi uses to effectively communicate the themes.
Copyright
2012, Trevor Dangerfield Smith
Recommended Citation
Smith, Trevor Dangerfield, "What Makes Finzi Finzi? The Convergence of Style and Struggle in the Life of Gerald Finzi and in His Set Before and After Summer, op. 16" (2012). Dissertations. 702.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/702