The contribution of twentieth-century Canadian composers to the solo pedal harp repertoire, with analysis of selected works

The purpose of this dissertation was to research harp solos written by Canadian composers in the twentieth century and to determine factors that could have contributed to the rise in output of harp literature in Canada during that period. In addition to research of existing writings, interviews with two performers, Erica Goodman and Judy Loman, and two composers, Marjan Mozetich and R. Murray Schafer, were conducted. Analysis of six selected works from 1957 to 2002, Little Suite by Robert Turner, The Crown of Ariadne by R. Murray Schafer, Fifteen Pieces for Harp by John Weinzweig, From the Eastern Gate by Alexina Louie, Songs of Nymphs by Marjan Mozetich, and the King David Sonata by Srul Irving Glick, showed the diversity of output and provided opportunity to look for common elements. The factors that coincided with the increase in solo harp literature by Canadian composers included an increase in the number of professional harpists and composers, government support through commissioning grants, trends in solo literature at large, and avenues for performance. Specific motivations for the cases studied included commissions, respect for virtuosic harpists, interest in composers’ works, opportunities for performance and audience exposure to new works.