posted
So I met with my advisor the other day about my musicology thesis, and he gave me the go-ahead to draft my proposal and start my reading. It isn't due till my last quarter at the UC, so likely not for over a year, but I am starting now.
Topic: A comparitive analysis of two Modernist works: T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" and Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring." I will be approaching it, probably, from a variety of directions- formal analysis and comp/contrast of style, tone, influence, compositional technique and principal, and the modernist voice in both works. My advisor (who is a renowned musicologist and music author/biographer and conductor), also suggested an historical exposition of the reception of the works both in their original contexts, and as milestones of modernism today, in the post modern world, (so researching more current thought and analysis as well as dated interpretations).
I am at once extremely excited to be writing under a god of musicology (in my mind) and on a subject that he has expressed interest in as well; and at the same time apprehensive about the whole thing. It is going to be a very large project, (hence the year long research and development envelope) but following my work over the summer with a number of English profs on analytical style and theory, I think I am finally ready to do the thesis some justice. A quite influential English prof has also expressed interest in my thesis and me as a writer (the same one who is helping with my other publication), and he has offered to lend me his support in the coming year in seeking publication of this thesis. He has also told me that I had best treat this work as preparation for my grad school career, and he has been extremely encouraging about my prospects as a grad student. At last, after 3 years of seeming anonymity, I have a few advocates and a purpose before me.
So there it is folks. The first step toward my thesis, and the first step in what is going to prove a very long road. I am excited.
Posts: 9912 | Registered: Nov 2005
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quote:I am at once extremely excited to be writing under a god of musicology (in my mind) and on a subject that he has expressed interest in as well; and at the same time apprehensive about the whole thing.
I totally empathize; it sounds very exciting, but the reasons it's so exciting also sound very nerve wracking.
Good luck, and have fun with it! ^_^
Posts: 4313 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Sounds very interesting. My ex got into musicology during his senior year. I'd love to hear your conclusions once you've completed the project.
quote:At last, after 3 years of seeming anonymity, I have a few advocates and a purpose before me.
I'm writing my thesis too and I feel the exact same way. After just flittering about a variety of classes with little purpose, its funny to realize that I subconsciously did have some direction in my study beyond just picking whatever sounded interesting in the catalogue. And I love working with my professors beyond the classroom. Of our two philosophy professors, I'm glad we have one who specializes in religion. Its so exciting to dialogue with someone about my ideas. I feel more confident in my academic beliefs and less like just another student, absorbing material and spitting it out. I never had ambitions for grad school until recently though it won't be for a few years if I make the decision to take that route.
Good luck! It sounds like you've got everything you need to succeed. I'd be very interested in an update when you get closer to completion.
Posts: 1733 | Registered: Apr 2005
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