Identifier
etd-04032017-235213
Degree
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
Department
Music
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
The purpose of this research project is to provide the reader and the prospective performer with a comprehensive view of the song cycle Songs from Liquid Days by Philip Glass. Chapter 1 of this document gives a brief compositional history of the cycle. Chapter 2 provides biographical sketches of the composer and the cycle’s four poets: Paul Simon, Suzanne Vega, David Byrne, and Laurie Anderson. Chapter 3 discusses performance practice suggestions for Songs from Liquid Days, including commentary on tempo, style, ensemble choices, pacing, and analyses of both text and music. Chapter 4 compares the artistic interpretations of the 1986 authoritative recording with the musical score. Appendices found at the end of this document will include the following: a preface from Mr. Glass where he discusses his perceptions of Songs from Liquid Days and a comprehensive list of the composer’s musical oeuvre for solo voice. The methodology used while researching includes the musical score, the composer’s own words regarding the cycle, and the creative interpretations of the artists from the cycle’s original album. It is the hope of this author that, through this research project and presentation, this cycle may be introduced to the classically trained singer and finds its place in the standard song repertoire.
Date
2017
Document Availability at the Time of Submission
Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.
Recommended Citation
Ray, Jonathan Michael, "Songs from Liquid Days by Philip Glass: A Performer's Guide" (2017). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 4261.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/4261
Committee Chair
Grayson, Robert
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.4261