The reasons that these particular groups continued to write more traditional songs vary, and as of yet, are not wholly clear, but I will discuss the issue and offer some reasonable explanations. Evidence of the decline in esteem of the art song A. Examination of books, journals, and concert programs B. Multiple canons 3. The effect of WWI 4. Modernism in the arts A. Visual arts B. Dance C. Literature and poetry D. Music E. Music's relationship with the other arts i. Music, dance, and the visual arts ii. The standing of the English language in songs ii.
European song composers ii.
Why African Americans continued to write songs in a traditional vein Dissertation Proposal For numerous reasons the art song became a neglected compositional genre in the United States during the first half of the 20th century. This dissertation will examine some of the artistic and cultural issues which contributed to the decline in popularity of the art song, and then will look at some of the places and ways in which the art song continued to thrive in spite of the external societal circumstances which tended to inhibit their composition. In the introductory chapter I intend to define some relevant terms, most notably what constitutes the limits of the genre known as the American art song. Of course, such a definition also requires a determination of what constitutes a popular character. I will include in this definition works which are for two singers, works with an additional melody instrument, and works which substitute another instrument for the piano as long as they share a similar intimate nature and intent with the art song.