Past Dissertations

Mieczyslaw Karlowicz and the Symphonic Poem at the Turn of the 20th Century
2008

by Norbert Palej, Composition

The symphonic poems of Mieczyslaw Karlowicz (1876-1909) extend the tradition of 19th-century program music. While firmly rooted in romantic musical aesthetics, they are remarkable for their original mode of expression. The dissertation attempts to contextualize the life and works of the great Polish composer, and to elucidate his position in Western musical culture.<br><br>The first chapter discusses the prominent intellectual trends of fin-de-siècle Europe. Subsequently, it depicts the specific cultural situation in Poland. Against this background, the chapter presents a brief biography of Karlowicz, and comments on the composer's general philosophical outlook.<br><br>The second chapter outlines the history of 19th-century program music. It then goes on to present the main stages in the development of the symphonic poem, focusing on its main precursors and proponents. It concludes by discussing Karlowicz‚s symphonic poems and their position in the tradition of the genre.<br><br>The third chapter focuses on the most characteristic expressive topoi of Karlowicz's music, elucidating their roots, musical manifestations, and poetic functions.

Committee: Steven Stucky (Chair) , David Rosen, Roberto Sierra