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.
