Creator

Jeff Kensmoe

Advisor

Malde, Melissa

Committee Member

Bolden-Taylor, Diane

Committee Member

Kauffman, Deborah

Committee Member

Iyer, Vishwanathan

Department

Music

Institution

University of Northern Colorado

Type of Resources

Text

Place of Publication

Greeley (Colo.)

Publisher

University of Northern Colorado

Date Created

5-1-2012

Genre

Thesis

Extent

459 pages

Digital Origin

Born digital

Description

The ability to generate and recognize precisely paired musical topics with an archetypal character's stage experience is one of the most important factors for composers and producers to anticipate the success of a children's opera. If a performing ensemble wishes to create the greatest impact it is imperative that they also be able to recognize the pairing of an archetype and its musical significations (music that indicates action, people or things); this enables the ensemble to illustrate and punctuate vital moments of the opera clearly. The ability to musically generate and recognize musical significations of the archetype is the basis from which composers and producers are able to anticipate the greatest impact a work may have. From the sixteen fundamental Jungian archetypes that exist in the collective unconscious, three are discussed in this topical analysis: the mother, hero and trickster. Topical analysis of both successful and lesser-known children's operas reveal relationships between the archetypal characters and their musical significations that range from strong to deficient. The topical analysis of works by Gian-Carlo Menotti, Benjamin Brittan, Seymour Barab, Malcolm Fox, Herbert Haufrecht, Stanley Hollingsworth, Libby Larsen, Mary Elizabeth Caldwell and Lukas Foss point out specific musical significations that align with the archetype's text, subtext and/or actions, as well as instances where the musical signification may be absent. Comparisons of the number of productions mounted reveal which operas have enjoyed success. The most successful children's operas display Jungian archetypes that are entwined with appropriate musical characterizations.

Degree type

DMA

Degree Name

Doctoral

People

Haufrecht, Herbert, 1909-1998

People

Jung, C. G. (Carl Gustav), 1875-1961

Language

English

Local Identifiers

Kensmoe_unco_0161D_10140.pdf

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by author.

COinS