The solo vocal repertoire of Mary Carlisle Howe with stylistic and interpretive analyses of selected works.

摘要

Mary Carlisle Howe (1882-1964) made a substantial contribution to the literature of the American art song. Born in Richmond, Virginia, she lived for many years in Washington, D. C. She produced approximately 236 compositions, including 115 for the solo voice. The songs span the years from at least 1901 to 1958, the greatest output being between 1925 and 1945. Howe was unusual as a song composer in that she produced songs in numerous styles and languages, having composed equally as well in French and German as in her native English. She displayed a keen ability for setting text to music and chose texts from significant historical and contemporary literature, always permitting them to dictate the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic color and direction of her music.;The purpose of the work is to provide performers and teachers with a resource for the study of the songs of Mary Howe and, by giving added visibility to available yet unexplored material, make a significant addition to the body of solo vocal repertoire. The study includes historical background about female composers and biographical information about Mary Howe. The work is then divided into three sections which discuss the English, French, and German songs. Following an overview of each group, seven English, four French, and five German songs selected for their variety and pedagogical merit are analyzed from a stylistic and interpretive standpoint. Within the song analyses, text, expressive characteristics, accompaniment, performance requirements, and program suggestions are discussed. A final chapter summarizes Howe's development as a composer and compares song characteristics of various periods. Appendices denoting publishers, a discography, and vocal proficiency levels required for selected songs conclude the work.;Diversity of style, subject, level of difficulty, and language allow for versatile and creative recital programming of the material. Seven volumes containing 49 songs are available from Galaxy Music Corporation, a division of E. C. Schirmer. Conscientious study and performance will help to ensure a permanent place for the songs within the international art song literature.