Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5864-587X

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

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Available for download on Friday, December 19, 2025

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