Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts

Department

Music

Committee Chair

Randal Rushing

Committee Member

Benjamin Smith

Committee Member

Mary Wilson

Committee Member

Kenneth Kreitner

Abstract

Humor is a universal human emotion, with many proven positive effects. These proven positive effects are invaluable to a vocal artist in reaching an audience. This document starts with an introduction to humorous art song. Following this is a critical defense of its inclusion in modern concert programming by exploring the effective use of humor in entertainment, clinical psychology, and business.Specific humorous art song sets are analyzed to validate this repertory as effective and legitimate. Performance options, text analysis, form, and score analysis were included. In the first section, Craigslistlieder by Gabriel Kahane (2009) and Another Reason I Dont Keep a Gun in the House by Tom Cipullo (1998) are explored. The second section introduces a compositional pattern that I have termed the short pithy song. These songs contrast other traditional art songs as they are extremely brief. The song sets explored are two collections, 19 Short Songs about Chuck Norris by David Harned Johnson (2016) and Do you sing, Mr. Twain? by Gordon Myers (1999). This study is informed through direct score analysis, online interviews, literature review, video performance analysis, and a phone interview with Dr. David Harned Johnson.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest

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