Journeys of Expression: An Examination of Four Twentieth and Twenty-First Century Vocal Works

The purpose of this dissertation is to document the results of my research into twentieth and twenty-first century vocal works as related to my lecture on April 27, 2011 and my final doctoral recital on April 29, 2011, of which the program and notes are also included. I have examined four pieces: "Lied der Lulu," Lulu by Alban Berg; Poèmes pour Mi by Olivier Messiaen; Sequenza III by Luciano Berio; and 5 McCallum Songs by Nicholas Deyoe. These works contain contemporary compositional methods such as atonal writing, rhythmic complexity, graphic notation, and extended vocal techniques. With each piece I have explored issues of learning and interpretation, and have included exercises and procedures that can be used in the learning process. My goal is to create a set of skills that can be used by singers when approaching contemporary vocal works