An exploration of selected art songs by Gustav Mahler, Robert Owens, Lori Laitman, Gabriel Fauré, Jules Massenet, and Kolby Van Camp

Abstract

This report examines the historical, technical, and interpretive analysis of selected art songs from the tenor repertoire. This document explores the song compositions of Gustav Mahler, Gabriel Fauré, Robert Owens, Lori Laitman, Jules Massenet, and Kolby Van Camp. This masters report provides biographical information on each composer, poetic texts and English translations, figures and musical illustrations, as well as ideas for interpretive and vocal pedagogical insight. The pieces examined are excerpts from Mahler’s Rückert Lieder such as “Liebst du um Schönheit” and “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen”; Fauré’s “Lydia”; Robert Owens’ song cycle “Silver Rain”, Op.11; Jules Massenet’s “Enfermant les yeux” from his opera Manon; Lori Laitman’s “The Apple Orchard”; and Kolby Van Camp’s song cycle “Water Box Musings” (2019). The graduate recital was presented in partial fulfilment for the Master of Music degree in vocal performance on October 24th, 2020 at 1st Presbyterian Church in Lawton, Oklahoma. The recital was given by tenor Lorenzo Butler and Diana Webb.