New Leaves on Old Trees: A Synthesis of Early American Music through Contemporary Composition

Author

Leslie A. Robinson, Southeastern University - LakelandFollow

Date of Award

12-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Primary Advisor

Dr. Charles Hulin

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the hymnody and choral music of 17th, 18th, and early 19th century Protestant communities in America with the goal of creating a historically informed composition that articulates musical and theological ideas of the past with a fresh voice. It will emphasize unique characteristics of the musical communities and connections between the communities. It will also focus on two relationships within individual communities: the association between the community’s music and its texts, and the connection between its theology and musical identity. The thesis and composition should reveal an understanding of early American musical styles and offer an opportunity to appreciate long-standing forms while contributing a new expression of these ideas. As nature expresses variations of beauty from season to season, this project attempts to rearticulate the beauty of early American music.

Comments

Four attached MP3 Music files

Recommended Citation

Robinson, Leslie A., "New Leaves on Old Trees: A Synthesis of Early American Music through Contemporary Composition" (2014). Selected Honors Theses. 3.
https://firescholars.seu.edu/honors/3