| Summary: | Smith, William Clay, B.A., Campbellsville University, 2000
Master of Arts in Music, Campbellsville University, 2001
Doctor of Musical Arts, Fall Commencement, 2009
Major: Music
Drum Taps: A Performance Guide to the Song Cycle by Richard Pearson Thomas
Written Document directed by Kirkpatrick Professor of Voice Robert Grayson
Pages in written document, 147. Words in abstract, 120.
ABSTRACT
Composer Richard Pearson Thomas has gained recognition from his art song I Never Saw a Moor and his participation in the AIDS Quilt Songbook, but his song cycle Drum Taps has often been overlooked. This document examines the baritone song cycle which was completed in 1990. The study begins with biographical synopses of the composer and the poet, Walt Whitman, as well as brief information about the poetry from which Drum Taps is drawn. Subsequent chapters focus on the five songs of the cycle, studying each songs text, sound, harmony, melody, rhythm, growth throughout the piece, and performance practice. The information is presented as an aid to preparing and performing the work. Additionally, an appendix presents the composers complete works.
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