Identifier

etd-04052012-145650

Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

Music

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

This paper is a conductor’s analysis of Ronaldo Cadeu’s recently completed orchestral score for his ballet Crime and Punishment, with a focus on its preparation for a first public performance. The research explores preparing a piece of music for its world premiere from several angles: the musical process in the form of score study, the extra-musical process involved in the production of the event and the culmination of both in rehearsals and performance with the orchestra. Detailed score analysis reveals that Crime and Punishment is a masterfully crafted piece of music that successfully conveys the essence of Dostoyevsky’s text. Cadeu’s profound knowledge of the novel, intelligent adaptation of the plot and meticulous exploration of the characters, combined with his technical ability as a composer and vivid imagination, yielded a musically engaging, cohesive work with very high potential as a stage piece. Collaboration between conductor and composer was found to be the main aspect that differentiates working on a world premiere from performing the final version of a piece that has been heard many times. The conductor’s preparation for rehearsals and performance of the work made clear that, in the absence of references such as recordings or tradition, constant interaction with the composer was a key aspect of the process. Finally, recommendations are given for future performances of Crime and Punishment, along with information about the future of the piece and suggested further research.

Date

2012

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Riazuelo, Carlos

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.1858

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