Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Performing Arts Honours

School

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

Faculty

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

First Supervisor

Dr Jonathan Paget

Abstract

This dissertation represents a handbook designed to assist singers performing the role of Tytania in Britten' s opera A Midsummer Night's Dream. It explores the historical, literary, cultural, and musical contexts to the music and the drama. In addition, an analytical investigation is made into the ways that Britten has created musical characterization through the manipulation of voice types, melodic and rhythmic contours, motives, orchestration, tonality, and structures. The diverse types of knowledge chosen for investigation are foundational (in the author's opinion) in the development of an informed interpretation of the character, Tytania. This information can assist performers in avoiding the pitfalls of idiosyncrasies, malapropisms, or naivety in their performance of the role.

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