Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
12-19-2025
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
College
Fine Arts
Department/School/Program
Music Performance
Faculty
Dr. Schuyler Robinson
Faculty
Dr. Martina Vasil
Abstract
The Gregorian chant Te Deum originated over 1500 years ago and was the basis of many vocal and instrumental compositions. Segments of the chant were also used as motives and themes for improvisation. Students at the French organ school studied both improvisation and composition. This study examined three exemplary pieces that resulted from the French organ school traditions: Improvisation sur le Te Deum (1930) by Charles Tournemire, Hymne d’Actions de Grâces, Te Deum (1934) by Jean Langlais, and Paraphrase sur le Te Deum (1946) by Marcel Dupré.
After a brief chapter on the history of the Te Deum chant, biographical information about each organist was discussed, followed by an overview of improvisational and compositional techniques used by each composer. Next, historical data of the selected pieces was provided to give context behind each piece's conception. Each chapter concluded with an examination of practice and performance challenges through musical analysis intertwined with a discussion of interpretive components, such as dynamics, articulation, manual and pedal techniques, rhythm, and registration. This study aimed to equip amateur and advanced organists with a comprehensive performance guide for the selected pieces, enabling them to study these pieces independently and in academic settings with confidence and skill.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.116
Recommended Citation
LeRose, Margaret Maria, "Performance Guide to Select Twentieth-Century French Organ Works Based on Te Deum" (2025). Theses and Dissertations--Music. 274.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/music_etds/274
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