An analysis of the TTBB transcription techniques of Ralph Vaughn Williams : with a transcription of Dona nobis pacem for men's chours

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Authors
Harned, Kenneth A.
Advisor
Karna, Duane R., 1959-
Issue Date
2012-07-21
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (D.A.)
Department
School of Music
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Ralph Vaughan Williams was a strong advocate for adapting his compositions to suit the needs of various ensembles. He often arranged his choral compositions for several different voicings, allowing them to be performed by mixed, men’s, and women’s choruses. He also frequently offered reduced instrumentation accompaniment options to fit the personnel and budget restraints of these choirs. The purpose of this study is to analyze the male chorus transcription techniques used by Ralph Vaughan Williams in transcribing his composition for chorus and orchestra, Five Mystical Songs, from SATB to TTBB voicing. The culmination of this research is a modern day transcription of Vaughan Williams’s Dona Nobis Pacem for men’s chorus, brass septet, organ and percussion. This transcription adds to the men’s choral repertoire and increases the work’s accessibility for school and community choruses by creating a reduced accompaniment that maintains the flavor of the original orchestral instrumentation.