MuCT 514 Paper Abstract

Abstract for

PERFORMANCE PRACTICE ISSUES FOR THE
SYMPHONIC CHOIR IN BÉLA BARTÓK’S
CANTATA PROFANA (1930)

by
Emily Kausalik

Since its inception in 1930, Béla Bartók’s Cantata Profana has been considered one of the most difficult choral works of the Twentieth Century. An overview of the harmonic language, switching of tonalities and harmonic language, and density of part-writing in the chorus exposes compositional writing of an incredibly demanding nature.

In this paper I will discuss the analytical issues listed above, and examine the impact Bartók’s compositional devices has had on the performance of Cantata Profana. Considering that the majority of symphonic choruses (in America) are 90-95% volunteer, the character of a piece such as this makes it a relatively undesirable work for performance. In addition, the variations of divisi in the choir, along with extended vocal ranges, high demand of vocal musicianship and flexibility, and issues of balance that arise for all play into the fact that this wondrous piece is rarely performed or recorded. Combining this examination with an overview of the modern symphonic choir – regarding musicianship, size, and rehearsal technique – will shed light on the performance issues of the work.