Vox aestheticæ : Creating a Method of Aesthetic Analysis for the Voice Performer

Abstract

The concept of aesthetics – the recognition and judgment of beauty – has been studied for many years. This research and discussion has ranged across all forms of art, from visual to musical; however, there are many people with little experience or knowledge of their own aesthetic judgment and how this takes place. In recent times a number of forms of aesthetic analysis have been created with the goal of making the process of aesthetic judgment and response more accessible and intuitive. However, these forms of analysis have been created for visual and literary artworks, with little regard toward music. Furthermore, vocal music specifically has been largely neglected. Therefore, this dissertation concerns the creation and implementation of an intuitive musical aesthetic analysis map, specifically focused on vocal music, to be used from the perspective of the performer. The beginning chapters of this document discuss the realm of aesthetic research in which this dissertation takes place. The musical aesthetic analysis map is intended to be used with vocal music from the Classical and Romantic eras. However, it is up to the individual analyst to decide when to use the map. Various previously conceptualized forms of aesthetic analysis will be examined to look for similarities and apply their concepts to the creation of the musical aesthetic analysis map. Specific aesthetic and musical properties will then be examined in creating the map in a logical way. Aesthetic properties include: judgment, accuracy and precision, taste, semiotics and hermeneutics, mimesis, emotion and affect, and topics and tropes. Musical properties include: form, text, melody, harmony, rhythm, and dynamics. Lastly, a chapter will be dedicated to examples of how the map may be used when analyzing vocal music.