choral compositions of James M. Stayton: A formal and descriptive analysis and retrospective of style and influences

The choral compositions of James M. Stayton, a neo-romantic impressionistic composer are showcased and the individual works are analyzed both descriptively and formally. Compositional influences and styles are discussed at length with inspiration coming from such composers as Brahms, Faure, Morten Lauridsen and Stuart Glazer. Texts range from Sacred scriptural and Mass Ordinary to poets such as Emily Dickinson, Sarah Teasdale, James Weldon Johnson and Christina Rosetti. The formal analyses include an in depth breakdown of individual sections of each piece as well as musical examples. Each formal analysis also includes a charted breakdown of the entire piece by measure, section and key center. The descriptive analyses explain vocal, and instrumental usage as it pertains to effect and the text. Each descriptive analysis also discusses the particular inspirations by which each piece was structured.