Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Date

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts

Department

Music

Committee Chair

Jeremy Orosz

Committee Member

Elise Blatchford

Committee Member

Patrick Sutton

Committee Member

Sam Shoup

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate how to analyze musical topoi (topics) and use them to inform interpretive decision making. This study focuses on the solo guitar compositions of Nikita Koshkin, including complete analyses of Usher Waltz, Fall of Birds, and Merlin’s Dream. The method for research uses foundational work by Charles S. Peirce and Ferdinand de Saussure for its approach to semiotics. It references Leonard Ratner, Janice Dickensheets, and Jessica Narum for examples and definitions of topics in the classical, romantic, and modern stylistic periods. The essay succeeds in its goal by identifying topics commonly used by Koshkin, illustrating how they compare to one another within his body of works both in form and context. The reader will gain a deeper understanding of how Koshkin uses these devices to create drama. These findings are provided with performance recommendations where appropriate, laying the groundwork for future studies in other literature. Ultimately, the goal is to share this method with performers so that they have another tool to help make sense of music. At present, many opportunities remain to explore topics throughout the guitar literature. Sor, Giuliani, and Mertz provide an excellent starting point for additional review due as many of their works were influenced by opera and are, therefore, dramatic. There is additional opportunity to catalogue topics by various European and South American dance types (Flamenco, Chôro, Tango, etc.).

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest/Clarivate.

Notes

Open Access.

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