The effect of text on compositional decisions

The topic of this dissertation is the complex and varied relationship between words and music. Through the transference of the sonic and semantic properties and narrative capabilities of language to my music, I have discovered numerous ways of relating the meaning of the music to its design. This has resulted in a portfolio of pieces that incorporates text into vocal music, music with narration, and instrumental music. Chapter 1 functions in two ways. The first main subchapter sets out a theoretical framework for my research field by showing how the similarities and differences between language and music can illuminate exploitable tensions. These ideas draw on the work of Charles Ives, Virginia Woolf, Klaas de Vries, and Morton Feldman. The second subchapter explains the relevance of different textual elements and their eventual outcomes in my music. Chapter 2 provides commentary on eight pieces: Running at Still Life, Falling Up, as though birds, Sleep & Unremembrance, The Mysteries of Jacob, Three Pieces for Guitar (To the Sea in a Sieve), Beautiful School, and Three Biographies. A description and analysis of each piece relates the musical material and compositional process to the overall topic of words and music. Finally, Chapter 3 draws conclusions based on the eight pieces and discusses possible methods of reclassifying the text/music relationship in light of these musical outcomes