Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

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Degree

Master of Music

Program

Music

Supervisor

Frehner, Paul

2nd Supervisor

Vogel, Annette-Barbara

Abstract

The Tale of Rowan O’Shera is a musical drama for solo violin, chamber ensemble (percussion, harp, classical guitar, viola, cello, double bass), choir (including solo alto and solo tenor), and sound files. The libretto was written by the composer with the exception of the text in Angus Dei (Movement 7), which uses the traditional Latin text. This drama is divided into eight movements with each being a different step on the journey of the main character, Rowan O’Shera, who is represented by the solo violin. The narrative follows Rowan as he leaves his hometown of Dunlea (a fictional town invented for this work) and faces adventures and hardships. Finally, he realizes that his peace and identity lie in Dunlea and he travels home. Pitch material for the first and last movement was derived from the bird calls that are included in the first sound file and compiled into what has been dubbed as the bird scale.

Summary for Lay Audience

The Tale of Rowan O’Shera is a musical drama that follows the story of a fiddler named Rowan O’Shera. His home is the fictional town of Dunlea, but he finds himself discontent with the quiet life there and departs to find adventure in the world beyond. He experiences frivolity, love, heartbreak, danger, and loneliness until finally, he realizes that his peace and identity lie in Dunlea and he travels home. This work is written for solo violin which represents Rowan, chamber ensemble (percussion, harp, classical guitar, viola, cello, double bass), choir (including solo alto and solo tenor), and sound files. It is divided into eight movements with each being a different step in Rowan’s journey. The libretto was written by the composer with the exception of the text in Angus Dei (Movement 7).

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