Abstract:
I chose to perform a recital with a unifying theme of collaboration for my Honors Thesis. Reflecting upon my studies at Ball State University, I realized that both in the classroom and in my future life as an educator, working with others was and will continue to be an integral part of my experience. I had worked as an accompanist my entire time at Ball State, and this provided me with a unique view on the preparation process for performance. I wanted to showcase many different types of collaboration through my recital. During the preparation process for the performance, I was privileged to work with two different pianists, a violist and composer, and another vocalist. I was able to show my collegiate experience through filling the roles of accompanist, vocalist, duet partner, and solo pianist. In order to make the recital more cohesive, I chose musical works that could be grouped together—a set of Vaughan Williams' pieces, a set of lullabies, and two contrasting duets about love. Perhaps the most exciting collaboration on my recital was my work with Ayriole Frost, a violist and composer, creating a song cycle for contralto, viola, and piano. This work, Cori Descrittivi di Stall 'Animo di Didone (Choruses Descriptive of Dido's Moods), is an example not only of collaboration between musicians, but also that of collaboration between a composer and the performer of that composer's work. Premiered on my recital, this piece went on to be performed for the entire School of Music during the General Recital hour. We were also honored to perform Ayriole's composition on the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) recital, which was held as part of the accreditation process for the Ball State University School of Music. The song cycle was chosen to showcase the work of an undergraduate composer. Preparing and performing this recital allowed me to fully explore and realize how many different types of collaboration I have experienced and will continue to be involved with in the future.
