Western University Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository 9-4-2019 12:00 PM The Impact of Expanded, Multimodal Applications during a German Lied Performance Adam Domenico Iannetta The University of Western Ontario Supervisor Schmidt, Patrick The University of Western Ontario Co-Supervisor Hess, John The University of Western Ontario Graduate Program in Music A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the equirr ements for the degree in Doctor of Musical Arts © Adam Domenico Iannetta 2019 Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd Part of the Music Performance Commons Recommended Citation Iannetta, Adam Domenico, "The Impact of Expanded, Multimodal Applications during a German Lied Performance" (2019). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 6568. https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/6568 This Dissertation/Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Scholarship@Western. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository by an authorized administrator of Scholarship@Western. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Running Head: THE IMPACT OF EXPANDED, MULTIMODAL APPLICATIONS Abstract and Keywords This study explored the impact of adaptive methods and modalities in Art Song performance in connecting with adult audiences (aged 18 and older) as explored through a live performance of German Lieder. In addition, this study sought to contribute a qualitative experimental study of in-situ audience perception to an emerging field of practice and research regarding the innovative practices in Art Song performance (e.g. Art Song Theatre). The study was derived from a 2012 informal experiment by Professor Rena Sharon, a leading advocate of expanded Art Song performance practice and pedagogy. Specifically, a single English Art Song was performed in three different treatments: traditional, expanded traditional, and theatrical contextualization. The data helped illustrate a difference in performer interpretation and audience comprehension, confirming a stronger affiliation to the more expansive treatments over the more normative one. Inspired by the anecdotal report of this experiment, the current study compared three gestural versions of Art Song performance, similar to the previously mentioned, on a larger scale (i.e. a German song cycle) and recorded the data through more extensive and systematic data collection before three distinct audiences, categorized according to level of prior classical music training and/or familiarity with Art Song. The conclusions observed provide further context on the effectiveness of innovative performance practices within classical music, such as Art Song Theatre, as well as suggest a set of parameters when putting forth a classical music performance – specifically that of Art Song/German Lied – for present-day audiences. Keywords: Art Song Theatre, German Lieder, performance modality ii THE IMPACT OF EXPANDED, MULTIMODAL APPLICATIONS Lay Summary This study aimed to examine the possible impact of enhanced stagecraft in Art Song performance through a live performance of German Lieder for a diverse group of adult audiences (aged 18 and older). In addition, this study aimed to contribute to an emerging field of practice and research regarding the innovative practices in Art Song performance (e.g. Art Song Theatre). The study was based on a 2012 informal experiment by Professor Rena Sharon, a leading advocate of expanded Art Song performance practice and pedagogy. The informal experiment involved a single Art Song, sung in English, performed in three different styles, ranging from traditional to more theatrical. The data confirmed a stronger connection to the more expansive styles over the more traditional one from both the audience and the performer. Inspired by this experiment, the current study compared three ways of performing Art Song, similar to the previously mentioned, before three distinct audiences, grouped according to familiarity with classical music and Art Song. It also focussed on a larger collection of songs, a song cycle, performed in the original German language. The data was recorded using surveys and interviews and provided three overarching themes. Firstly, age and post-secondary music education were most important to determine one’s level of connection to these kinds of performances. Secondly, the added stage elements from the lecture recital created a positive impact on audience engagement by engaging more of one’s senses, but they could also do the exact opposite when used improperly. Lastly, explaining the history of the piece separate from the musical performance was also beneficial for the audience, especially for those unfamiliar with the music. These conclusions help to establish the effectiveness of innovative performance practices within classical music and suggest a baseline when putting together a performance of Art Song/German Lied for present-day audiences. iii THE IMPACT OF EXPANDED, MULTIMODAL APPLICATIONS Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse. – Winston Churchill iv THE IMPACT OF EXPANDED, MULTIMODAL APPLICATIONS For Anna and Pasquale (a.k.a. Mom & Dad). Thanks to your love and support, I now see that anything is possible. v THE IMPACT OF EXPANDED, MULTIMODAL APPLICATIONS Acknowledgements Thank you to my advisors and supervisors, Prof. Theodore Baerg, Dr. John Hess, Dr. Patrick Schmidt, and Dr. Todd Wieczorek, for your continued support and guidance. Thank you to my new friend, Prof. Rena Sharon, for helping me to appreciate the true value of Art Song in the 21st century. Thank you to my accompanist, Sarah Bowker, for being such an integral part of the lecture recital and this collaborative undertaking. Thank you to my friends and colleagues, Brianna DeSantis and Chad Louwerse, as well as Jennifer Cyr, Bethany Hynes, and Carmen Specht for being part of the lecture recital. Thank you to my former coaches, Mrs. Melanie Sloane (née Cancade), Dr. Marianna Chibotar-Rutkevich, and Maestro Simone Luti, for helping shape the performance aspect of the lecture recital throughout my doctoral program. Thank you to my friend and colleague, Stéphanie Brassard, for helping choose the graphics for the second set of the lecture recital. Thank you to Ms. Karen Kueneman and Ms. Katelyn Harris for solidifying the parameters of this study. Thank you to my parents, Pasquale & Anna Iannetta, for encouraging me to pursue my passion and for always being there for me. Lastly, thank you to my beautiful wife, Nicole Iannetta (née Embury), for your constant love and unwavering support over these past four years together. I could not have done any of this without you. vi THE IMPACT OF EXPANDED, MULTIMODAL APPLICATIONS Table of Contents Abstract and Keywords ................................................................................................................ ii Lay Summary ............................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... vi Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................ vii List of Tables ..................................................................................................................................x List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... xi List of Appendices ....................................................................................................................... xii List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................. xiii Preface ......................................................................................................................................... xiv I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................1 Analyzing the Modern Art Song Recital .............................................................................2 Statement of the Problem .....................................................................................................5 The challenge .........................................................................................................11 Innovation in classical music .................................................................................13 The need for change from the Art Song recital......................................................13 Success and sustainability within Art Song Theatre ..............................................16 Purpose of the Study ..........................................................................................................18 Framing the research ..............................................................................................21 Research Questions ............................................................................................................22 II. Literature Review ...................................................................................................................24 Town: The Economy of Art ...............................................................................................25