A conductor's analysis of Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna

2005·6.3 MB·English

by  Lord, Brendan, author

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University of Alberta
A Conductor’s Analysis of Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna
by
Brendan Lord
An essay submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Master of Music
in
Choral Conducting
Department of Music
Edmonton, Alberta
Summer 2005
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
EDMONTON, ALBERTA
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Abstract
In order to effectively rehearse and perform any piece of music it is necessary that the
conductor first deconstruct it in order to gain a detailed understanding of the individual
components and the role they play in the work as a whole. This paper provides a
comprehensive deconstruction and analysis of Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna,
discussing compositional device, form, harmonic language, tonality, text and text¬
painting. In addition, biographical information on Lauridsen and his compositional
process are included. An extended discussion of the individual movements of the work
provide the reader with a thorough analysis of what each is comprised of and its function
in the work as a whole. The paper concludes with a brief reflection on Lauridsen’s
effective fusion of old and new compositional techniques. Appendices including the
complete texts and translations and Lauridsen’s choral works are included. In addition, a
bibliography and select discography have been provided.
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