In summertime on Bredon: interpretation and performance guide to Ralph Vaughan Williams's On Wenlock Edge

The vocal music of Ralph Vaughan Williams is a renowned body of repertoire. His cycle, On Wenlock Edge is a herculean work that integrates the war-themed poetry from A Shropshire Lad by A.E. Housman. The cycle, written for tenor, string quartet, and piano, is a masterful example of English art song repertoire, and its emphasis of text-driven composition. Due to its vocal and instrumental challenges—along with the emotionally heavy nature of the text—On Wenlock Edge is less programmed when compared to other English art song cycles. This thesis will provide a guide for an ensemble on how one could interpret the poetry in On Wenlock Edge, thus creating a throughline plot through the whole cycle. Additionally, this thesis includes a performance guide to On Wenlock Edge with recommendations for rehearsal, interpretation, and performance. The aim of this thesis is to provide resources and aid for those considering programming On Wenlock Edge. Supplemental material consists of an audio recording of my performance of On Wenlock Edge with a Ball State University student string quartet, and staff accompanist, Stacey Edwards.