Singing Bird Singing Soul: Avian Symbolism in Cross-Cultural Soprano Repertoire

“Singing Bird Singing Soul: Avian Symbolism in Cross-Cultural Soprano Repertoire” explores the symbolic use of birds in soprano repertoire of different genres and cultural origins as a means of expressing human emotion. It analyzes the works by seven composers and in seven languages. Based on the thematic meanings of bird imagery in these works, the document is structured in three chapters. Chapter 1, “Love and Youth,” encompasses “La maja y el ruiseñor” by Enrique Granados, La Capinera by Julius Benedict, and Qing Chun Wu Qu by Tingjiang Hu. Chapter 2, “Confinement and Freedom,” includes Kanareyka by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and “Villanelle” by Eva Dell’Acqua. Chapter 3, “Time and Death,” discusses Kuckuck, wie alt? by Franz Abt, and The Silver Swan by Ned Rorem.Each chapter investigates each piece through examining its poet and composer, as well as the musical portrayal of bird image and its associated symbols. Through these analyses, the study demonstrates how bird symbolism functions as an expressive medium that connects natural imagery with human emotions. By exploring the poetic and symbolic significance of birds, this project also provides interpretive perspectives for sopranos. Understanding the musical depiction of birdsong and avian behavior in these pieces allows singers to achieve greater expressive depth and a more nuanced emotional interpretation in performance.

Name thesis:degree_name

D.M.A.

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Music

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Kansas

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Chen, Yanjun

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Markou, Stella
• Nedbal, Martin

• Avian Symbolism
• Cross-Cultural Vocal Music
• Musical Expression
• Soprano Repertoire

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

https://www.proquest.com/LegacyDocView/DISSNUM/32702062

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/39543