Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

College of Music and Dramatic Arts

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The purpose of this monograph is to provide a comprehensive analysis and conductor’s guide for Alec Roth’s masterwork, A Time to Dance. This study will explore the origins of this work, provide rehearsal and performance considerations, and bring greater attention to its composer, Alec Roth. Compared to his English contemporaries, Alec Roth’s (b.1948) music is lesser-known within the British tradition. Roth composes for choir, orchestra, and musical theatre and is also well-known for his contributions to both the guitar and gamelan repertory. His music spans a variety of languages, voicings, orchestrations, and levels of difficulty, as he is also noted for his work with children’s choirs. Roth’s music has been performed by the choirs of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, The Sixteen, and Ex Cathedra with whom he premiered A Time to Dance in 2012.[1]

A Time to Dance demonstrates a diverse poetic and musical landscape, celebrating the “times and seasons of human existence.”[2]This study will focus on textual and musical analyses of the work as well as performance consideration for the prospective conductor. It will also provide additional information on the life of the composer and the creation of the work. This paper will, in turn, inform future conductors and build a platform for Alec Roth and his music.

[1]“Biography,” Biography, Alec Roth, accessed June 16, 2018,http://www.alecroth.com/about/

[2]John Quinn, “Birmingham Dances to Alec Roth’s tune,” Seen and Heard International,September 15, 2012, accessed June 16, 2018. http://seenandheard-international.com/2012/10/birmingham-dances-to-alec-roths-tune/

Date

3-11-2019

Committee Chair

Dickson, John

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.4822

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