Abstract

The purpose of the dissertation is to categorize and examine analytically the one hundred and forty-one published songs by Charles Ives. In the process, the dissertation traces Ives's development as a composer from 1887 until approximately 1925. His published song repertoire is classified into eight categories according to text orientation: the European art song, sacred songs, nature songs, philosophical songs, political songs, "common man" songs, sentimental songs, and comical songs. As a result, a number of technical similarities are revealed among the songs within each category. Such similarities include, for example, harmonic structure and function, methods of melodic pitch organization, and rhythmic patterns. The role of musical quotation in Ives's songs is also examined. The diversity of compositional techniques among the different classifications gives rise to the need for a variety of analytical techniques in order to adequately assess the material. Atonal set theoretical methods, Schenkerian prolongational processes, and traditional tonal descriptive labelling are among the analytical methods utilized. ;The dissertation attempts to reveal that Ives made a major contribution to the repertoire of the American art song. His song repertoire for voice and piano explores a gamut of subject matter that is unequalled by any other American composer. The songs function like a history textbook of late 19th century New England lifestyles and allow contemporary listeners to encounter the social, spiritual, and intellectual concerns that faced the citizenry of the United States in a rapidly changing early twentieth century. Thus, Ives provides us with significant historical insights. ;It is my hope that this dissertation will reveal meaningful insights into Charles Ives's compositional, aesthetic, and spiritual contributions to American song literature. It should make an especially useful theoretical reference guide for those students who are being exposed to the songs of Charles Ives for the first time. I believe that it will also prove to be a valuable research tool for those who are familiar with this composer's works and are exploring more deeply the many facets of his unique brand of creativity