University of Cincinnati
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI Date: 1-Sep-2009 I, James Alexander Hurd , hereby submit this original work as part of the requirements for the degree of: Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice It is entitled: From a Peacock to Apocope: An Examination of Maurice Ravel’s Text Setting in the Histoires naturelles, L’Heure espagnole and Other Pre-WWI Vocal Works. Student Signature: James Alexander Hurd This work and its defense approved by: Committee Chair: Kenneth Griffiths, MM Kenneth Griffiths, MM David Adams, MM David Adams, MM Barbara Honn, MM Barbara Honn, MM 10/30/2009 191 From a Peacock to Apocope: An Examination of Maurice Ravel’s Text Setting in the Histoires naturelles, L’Heure espagnole and Other Pre-WWI Vocal Works A document submitted to the Graduate School of the University of Cincinnati in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS in the Performance Studies Division of the College-Conservatory of Music 2009 by James Alexander Hurd B.A., Oberlin College, 1998 B.M., Oberlin College, 1998 M.M., University of Cincinnati, 2001 Committee Chair: Kenneth Griffiths ABSTRACT The groundbreaking Histoires naturelles (1906) were one of Maurice Ravel’s most important early works. Employing prose and a conversational vocal style, they redefined the mélodie—a genre that had been characterized by its use of poetry and aristocratic French diction. Performance of these five songs presents singers with formidable challenges. The vocal line, imitating speech, is notable for its rhythmic complexity. In some cases, it eschews a legato line entirely. Often, it favors a dry, even ironic delivery.
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