Musical Realism of Modest Mussorgsky in the Songs and Dances of Death

Author

Lynn A. Howard, Central Washington University

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Summer 1973

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Fine Arts

Committee Chair

L. Dupin

Second Committee Member

Joseph S. Haruda

Third Committee Member

Herbert A. Bird

Abstract

This investigation proposes that the Russian composer, Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881), was one of the foremost masters of musical realism. The song cycle, The Songs and Dances of Death, is presented as an outstanding and representative example of the creative efforts of the composer. It is analyzed from the standpoint of prosody, tonality, melody, and harmony.

In order to aid in comprehension, the first portion of the paper deals with the Russian environment and the development of the ideals of Mussorgsky.

Recommended Citation

Howard, Lynn A., "Musical Realism of Modest Mussorgsky in the Songs and Dances of Death" (1973). All Master's Theses. 2123.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/2123

Comments

An integral part of this thesis (covering paper) is a tape recording of a graduate recital performed on July 31, 1973, as part of the requirements for the completion of the thesis.