University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

From obscurity to new relevancy: A more accessible approach to Samuel Barber's Vanessa

McAndrew, Michael N.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/109809

Description

Title
From obscurity to new relevancy: A more accessible approach to Samuel Barber's Vanessa
Author(s)
McAndrew, Michael N.
Issue Date
2021
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Tharp, Reynold
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Gunn, Julie
Committee Member(s)
  • Carrillo, Carlos
  • Redman, Yvonne Gonzales
Department of Study
School of Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Keyword(s)
  • orchestration
  • Samuel Barber
  • Vanessa
  • American opera
  • Metropolitan Opera
  • Gian Carlo Menotti
  • chamber orchestra
Language
en
Abstract
To describe this study, I borrow from an eloquently titled article by Rupert Christensen, “Samuel Barber’s opera Vanessa: from Pulitzer to obscurity…and beyond,” written as a marketing piece for Glyndebourne’s 2018 production. This project addresses each of those key words, and places particular focus on the “beyond.” This thesis accompanies a chamber version of Vanessa prepared by the author with the permission of G. Schirmer, Inc. that reduces the orchestration to 14 musicians. I outline the steps of creating this new orchestral reduction in detail, providing an initial insight into a seldom-documented process. Additionally, I discuss how this smaller chamber ensemble contributes to several aspects of practicality, accessibility and creativity in future productions. This project hopefully increases the viability and performability of the opera, bringing Vanessa from obscurity to new relevancy.
Type of Resource
  • text
  • still image
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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109809
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2021 Michael McAndrew

Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Theses [Option 2] - Music PRIMARY