Dissertation Defense Announcement

College of Communication and Fine Arts annonunces the Final Dissertation Defense of

Elizabeth White

for the Degree of Doctor of Musical Arts

March 18, 2019 at 1:30 PM in Music Building, Room 203

Advisor: Lenny Schranze

The Viola-Guitar Duo: Analysis and Performance Considerations in Gilbert Biberian's Folklore III

ABSTRACT: This paper presents a general overview of the viola-guitar ensemble and delves into the repertoire with a close look at Gilbert Biberian's Folklore III. The general overview of the ensemble includes challenges, advantages, and unique considerations of the duo with insight from professionals in the field, including members of the Alturas Duo, Duo Fresco, and Duo Ditirambo. Four specific topics of the ensemble are explored in depth: balance, intonation, performance set-up, and repertoire. The analysis and performance considerations for Folklore III focus on Biberian's use of Turkish folk song and Turkish music idioms and how these elements influence performance. Elements explored include texture, grace notes, timbre, ensemble, and the composer's insights and intentions gathered from the author's interview with Gilbert Biberian. This paper is meant to be a resource for those both looking to perform or better understand the viola-guitar duo and to delve into the repertoire with a look at Folklore III.