University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Hugo Distler’s Mörike-Chorliederbuch: A pedagogical resource for conductors

Schmidt, Michael Steven

Content Files
SCHMIDT-DISSERTATION-2024.pdf

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127183

Description

Title
Hugo Distler’s Mörike-Chorliederbuch: A pedagogical resource for conductors
Author(s)
Schmidt, Michael Steven
Issue Date
2024-12-04
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Eagen-Jones, Megan
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Eagen-Jones, Megan
Committee Member(s)
  • Solya, Andrea
  • Barrett, Janet
  • Alwes, Chester
Department of Study
Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Hugo Distler
  • Mörike-Chorliederbuch
  • Choral Pedagogy
  • Conductor
  • Choral Music
  • Eduard Mörike
  • Der Feuerreiter
  • Der Gärtner
  • 20th-Century Choral Music
  • Mixed Choir
  • Tenor-bass choir
  • treble choir
  • soprano-alto choir
  • Choral repertoire
Abstract
This paper provides North American choral conductors with a pedagogical resource for programming and interpreting Hugo Distler’s Mörike-Chorliederbuch, op.19. It focuses on two movements within the Mörike-Chorliederbuch, “Der Gärtner” and “Der Feuerreiter.” Each chapter begins with an examination of the origins of Mörike’s poetry, offering insights into its interpretation, alongside word-for-word and poetic translations, as well as IPA transcriptions to support diction in rehearsal. These pieces serve as examples of how to approach teaching Distler’s music, and the study addresses various pedagogical approaches to teaching rhythm and pitch. Pedagogical methods include re-barring scores to clarify rhythmic intent and employing strategies such as the Brazilian O Passo (the step) method, count singing, and rhythmic pulsing to effectively teach Distler’s polyrhythms. Practical solutions, like using melodic outlines to help singers navigate the independent vocal lines characteristic of Distler’s music, are also presented. Additionally, guidance is provided on teaching non-German-speaking singers to perform in German, with recommendations on pronunciation choices to convey the dramatic intent of the text. Sample lesson plans throughout the study model how to implement these pedagogical strategies. This resource equips conductors with effective tools for preparing ensembles to perform Distler’s choral works, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of his unique contributions to 20th-century choral repertoire.
Graduation Semester
2024-12
Type of Resource
Thesis
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127183
Copyright and License Information
n/a

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