| Robert Edward Kreutz (1922--1996), a twentieth century American composer, composed in many genres, primarily that of choral music. He composed over 394 works, 267 of which have been published by 28 different publishers. Of the eighteen solo songs with keyboard accompaniment, only four have been published. As a result, Kreutz's solo songs are not generally known by today's performers and teachers of singing. Through stylistic analysis, this study shows that the solo songs of Robert Kreutz are distinctive examples of American art song and should be recognized as valuable contributions to the repertoire of American art song of the twentieth century.;This study examines fifteen of Kreutz's solo song compositions written specifically for solo voice and piano: Prayer (1949), Music I Heard With You (1949), The Callers (1949), December Lark (1958), Spring Valley (1965), Harvest Wagons (1970), The Memorare (1973), Sacred Trust (1973), Wild Geese (1976), O Perfect Love (1980), Candlelight (1980), Early Snow (1986), November Night (1986), God's World (1986), and Fall (1987). Two solo songs, Now Joined by God in Holy Love and Blot Out My Sins, are missing. A third song, A Wedding Gift (1987), was omitted in this study because it is written for solo voice introduction and two part vocal duet.;The study is divided into eight chapters. Chapters I and II include background and biographical information on Robert Kreutz. In Chapters III through VII, the fifteen songs are analyzed with regard to Kreutz's use of melody, harmony, rhythm, growth, and text influence. Chapter VIII presents conclusions concerning Kreutz's compositional style. The four Appendices supply information about the following: catalog of solo art songs as well as opera arias and opera duets, transcription of audio tape recorded interviews, chronological listing of musical commissions granted to Robert Kreutz, and permission letters from publishers that were obtained with regard to this study.;Kreutz's significance as an American art song composer in twentieth century American music is demonstrated through his elaborate composition of beautiful, singable melodies combined with unique harmonic treatments, complex rhythmic textures, and effective occurrences of text painting. It is hoped that these solo songs will provide excellent musical material for inclusion into teaching and recital repertoires. |
