A conductors guide to Vincent Persichetti's King Lear

Abstract

Vincent Persichetti's septet King Lear was originally composed for the choreographer Martha Graham and her 1949 production, Eye of Anguish. While the production was considered a failure and has not been performed since its European tour in 1950, Persichetti admired his own portion of the collaboration and argued it would stand on its own merit as a chamber work. This thesis represents the first significant study of Persichetti's King Lear. It is a guide for conductors and chamber ensembles preparing an informed performance, with historical information, theoretical analysis, and rehearsal analysis.