Alan Louis Smith's Vignettes: Ellis Island

181 Pages·2009·3.17 MB·English

by  Tamara B. Regensburger

ALAN LOUIS SMITH’S VIGNETTES: ELLIS ISLAND:
THE HISTORY, EVOLUTION AND PERFORMANCE OF A MODERN AMERICAN
SONG CYCLE

D.M.A. DOCUMENT

Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
For the Degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in the Graduate School of
The Ohio State University

By

Tamara Brooke Regensburger, B.M., M.M.

*****

The Ohio State University
2009

Document Committee:

Professor Loretta Robinson, Advisor Approved By:

Dr. C. Patrick Woliver

Dr. Karen Peeler ___________________________________
Advisor, Graduate Program in Music
Copyrighted by
Tamara Regensburger
2009
ABSTRACT

Vignettes: Ellis Island is a twenty-six piece song cycle by American composer Alan
Louis Smith. Crafted as a genuine portrayal of the human spirit, it was initially meant to
be a single song written as a birthday gift for mezzo-soprano and friend, Stephanie
Blythe. The composer, however, was so compelled by this topic that he set a musical
backdrop that chronicled American immigration in the early 20th century, through the
stories of twenty-one refugees. A fortuitous meeting between Alan Smith and Paul
Sigrist, Jr. (former director of the Ellis Island Oral History Project), resulted in a
collaboration that became the catalyst for this song cycle. Mr. Sigrist supplied over 100
pages of quotations, taken from interviews he conducted with the Ellis Island Oral
History Project, which then were carefully abridged by the composer to create Vignettes:
Ellis Island. This document chronicles the development of this cycle, discussing its
origins, influences, historical relevance, and performances. It also provides a biography
on the composer, and details interviews conducted from July-October 2008 with Alan
Louis Smith, Paul Sigrist, Jr. and Stephanie Blythe. Finally, it serves as a performer‟s
study on the musical and dramatic interpretation of the work, as coached by the
composer.
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Dedication to my family

To my husband, Joe Regensburger, whose unfailing love and support have shaped my
life, without whom this accomplishment would have never been realized. My friend and
soul mate, I love you.

To my sister, Nikki Ross, whose great example of strength, integrity, constant support
and encouragement have inspired my success.

To my mom, Carolyn, whose ever fighting spirit to overcome adversity has taught me
determination.

To my grandmother, Olga Horstman, whose whistling music could be heard from any
room in the house, and even in death is still heard in my heart.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to Dr. Alan Louis Smith, who allowed me
to write about this beautiful work. I am grateful for the kindness and brilliance he
graciously shared during our interview. His insight and musical wisdom will influence
the way I sing and teach forever. Additional thanks are bestowed on Stephanie Blythe for
taking time out of her busy performance schedule to respond to my questions, and Paul
Sigrist who was so generous with his time and knowledge.

Thank you to my committee members, especially my advisor, Professor Loretta
Robinson, whose encouragement and mentorship inspired me to select a topic of true
passion. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. C. Patrick Woliver, whose zen
and wisdom have given me hours of contemplation and reflection. Lastly, to Dr. Karen
Peeler whose eternal zest for singing and teaching has provided a consummate example
to model my future career path.

There are several mentors and teachers who additionally have helped guide my
path on this journey. Betty Bothwell, my first voice teacher who ignited the spark, and
Professor Andreas Poulimenos, who taught me how to move people with my music.
Michael Strauss, Anna Gabrieli, Scott Nicholas, and Ed Bak are among the pianists,
coaches and collaborators that also molded me along the way and I am forever grateful.

Without the help of my dearest friends my work would have been impossible.
Their encouragement, laughter, caring hearts and listening ears, will forever be
appreciated. Thank you Kathleen Sasnett, Moira Mclaughlin, Karen Hilton, Andy and
Amy Blosser, Jeff and Eileen Ebbeler and Jim Riehle.

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VITA

April 18, 1975………………………………………Born- Cincinnati, Ohio

1997…………………………………………………B.M. Vocal Performance
Bowling Green State University,
Bowling Green, Ohio

2000…………………………………………………M.M Opera Performance
The Boston Conservatory,
Boston, Massachusetts

2003-2004…………………………………………. Artist Diploma Studies
Indiana University,
Bloomington, Indiana

2004-2007…………………………………………. Graduate Teaching Associate in Voice
The Ohio State University,
Columbus, Ohio

2007-2008………………………………………….. Adjunct Professor of Voice
Muskingum College,
New Concord, Ohio

2008…………………………………………………Adjunct Professor of Voice
Ashland University,
Ashland, Ohio

FIELDS OF STUDY

Major Field: Music
Voice/Opera

Studies in Vocal Performance, Vocal Pedagogy, Vocal Literature, Diction,
Opera Performance
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………….ii

Dedication……………………………………………………………………………… iii

Acknowledgments………………………………………………………………………iv

Vita………………………………………………………………………………………v

List of Musical Examples ……………………………………………………………..viii

List of Photographs………………………………………………………………………x

Chapter 1 Introduction..……………………………………………………………. 1
Purpose of Study………………………………………………………... 2
Procedure....…………………………………………………………….. 3
Ellis Island, a brief history……………………………………………….4

Chapter 2 Alan Louis Smith, A biography……….………………………………. 12
Compositional Style and Influences……………………………………22

Chapter 3 Origins Of The Cycle And Performance History……………………... 30
Vignettes: Ellis Island and Stephanie Blythe…………………………. 36
Alternative Performance Options…………………………………….. 39

Chapter 4 Examination of Vignettes: Ellis Island, A Performer‟s guide………… 42
Prologue……………………………………………………………….. 44
I. Preparing to Leave For America…………………………………… 46
II. Boarding the Ship…………………………………………………... 57
III. On The Ship………………………………………………………... 63
IV. In The Harbor……………………………………………………... 71
V. On The Island………………………………………………………. 78
VI. In America…………………………………………………………. 86
Epilogue……………………………………………………………….. 94

Epilogue.......................................................................................................................... 96

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Appendices
A. List of works by Alan Louis Smith……………………………………. 98
B. Curriculum vitae of Alan Louis Smith……………………………….. 101
C. Interview transcripts with Alan Louis Smith………………………… 107
D. Interview transcript with Paul Sigrist…………………………………152
E. Interview transcript with Stephanie Blythe…………………………... 160
F. Immigrant database and demographic studies……………………….. 165

List of References………………………………………………………………….. 169
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LIST OF MUSICAL EXAMPLES

Example Page

4.1: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island, Prologue mm. 1-4 45
4.2: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Emma” mm. 21-30 48
4.3: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Anna” mm. 5-6 50
4.4: Mozart, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. Original violin melody. 52
4.5: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Manny” mm. 8-10 52
4.6: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Martha” mm. 3-4 53
4.7: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Clara” mm. 1-4 55
4.8: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Theresa” mm.40-45 58
4.9: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Kaj”mm. 17-19 60
4.10: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Angelo” mm.5-6 62
4.11: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Max M.” mm. 21-24 64
4.12: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Mary” mm. 19-23 66
4.13: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Regina” mm. 11-12 68
4.14: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Elizabeth” mm. 1-4 70
4.15: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Dora” mm. 15-17 72
4.16: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Estelle” mm. 22-23 73
4.17: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Max. S.” mm. 22-26 75
4.18: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Martha” mm. 20-22 77
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4.19: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Kaj” mm. 4-6 79
4.20: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Irena” mm. 17-20 83
4.21: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Morris” mm. 11-14 86
4.22: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Jack” mm. 16-20 88
4.23: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Catherine” mm.1-8 89
4.24: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island “Anna” mm. 50-53 93
4.25: Smith, Vignettes: Ellis Island -Epilogue “Anna” mm. 11-20 95
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