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Don Besig is one of the most important choral composers in America. Most of his choral works are based on religious songs as well as well-known church hymns. There are four major strengths of his choral works, which attract choir directors from different levels of school choirs to adapt his choral arrangements for various occasions. Firstly, the melody lines of his choral compositions are simply beautiful and pleasant to listen to. They are therefore very easy to sing. Secondly, the lyrics and musicality of his works combine well together and fit well with various themes. Thirdly, all harmonization methods work well with the arrangements. And fourthly, the level of all his choral works, are easily adapted to by various choirs, ranging from primary schools to university choirs, and church choirs.
There are five chapters in this thesis. The first chapter is about my motivation and my objective research methods. The Second is a literature review. This is an overview of old hymns and modern hymns. I will summarize religious music history, and look at modern hymns, and the usage of religious music in the world today. The Third chapter is brief biography of, and a list of Don Besig’s choral works. Chapter four, is a study and interpretation of Don Besig’s eight choral Works. And finally, the Fifth chapter is the summary of suggestions, and sharing of experiences, to help choirs perform Don Besig’s choral composition in the future.
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