This thesis analyzes the repertoire presented in the author’s graduate vocal recital, with the aim of articulating the rationale behind the repertoire selection and the interpretative strategies adopted. The program spans from the Baroque period to the contemporary era, featuring vocal works in Italian, German, French, English, and Taiwanese. By curating a program that traverses multiple historical periods and linguistic traditions, the recital constructs a musical narrative that moves from sacred devotion and romantic lyricism to expressions of cultural nostalgia rooted in the local homeland.
The report is structured in three parts. The first section discusses the conceptual framework guiding the repertoire planning, emphasizing that vocal performance is not merely a technical display but a dialogue with emotion, text, and cultural context. The second section provides an in-depth musical and interpretive analysis of each piece, including the composer’s background, structural and stylistic elements, linguistic features, and vocal techniques. The final section explores the overarching performance strategies employed throughout the recital, such as breath management, vocal color adjustments, and stylistic transitions across genres and languages.
Through the process of preparing and performing this recital, the author not only gained a deeper understanding of diverse vocal styles but also engaged in critical reflection on the role of the performer in negotiating between cultural identity and artistic interpretation.