Paul Basler's Missa Kenya : an analysis

68 Pages·2003·3.3 MB·English

by  Wambugu, Duncan Miano, author

:
University ofAlberta
Paul Basler’s Missa Kenya An Analysis
by
Duncan Miano Wambugu
An essay submitted in partial fulfillment ofthe requirements
for the degree ofMaster ofMusic
in
Choral Conducting
Department ofMusic
Edmonton, Alberta
Spring, 2003

University ofAlberta
Library Release Form
Name ofAuthor: Duncan Miano Wambugu
Title ofEssay: Paul Easier’s Missa Kenya: An Analysis
Degree: Master ofMusic in Choral Conducting
Year this Degree Granted: 2003
Permission is hereby granted to the University ofAlberta Library to reproduce single
copies ofthis essay and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific
research purposes only.
The authorreserves all other publication and other rights in association with the
copyright in the essay, and except as herein before provided, neitherthe essay norany
substantial portion thereof may be printed orotherwise reproduced in any material form
whatever without the author’s prior written permission.
Duncan Miano Wambugu
P.O. Box 19787
Nairobi, Kenya
March 15,2003
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University ofAlberta
Faculty ofGraduate Studies and Research
The undersigned certify that they have read, and recommend to the Faculty of Graduate
Studies and Research foracceptance, an essay entitled “Paul Basler’s Missa Kenya: An
Analysis” submitted by Duncan Miano Wambugu in partial fulfillment ofthe
requirements for the degree of Master of Music in Choral Conducting.
Robert de Frece, First Reader

ABSTRACT
This papertakes an analytical look at Missa Kenya a choral composition by Paul Basler
,
for soloTenor, SATB chorus with piano, horn and percussion accompaniment. The
paper’s main objective is to investigate the similarities and/or differences between the
compositional forms used in Missa Kenya as compared to the traditional forms and
characteristics ofAfrican, and in particular, Kenyan folk music. The paperbegins by
identifying and defining the main forms and structures ofAfrican music. It then looks at
the various movements that make up this mass Kyrie Gloria Credo Sanctus and Angus
( , , ,
Dei) analyzing each in detail while identifying characteristics employed in the mass
which are based on the aforementioned forms and structures of Kenyan folk music.
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2017 with funding from
University of Alberta Libraries
https://archive.org/details/wambugu2003
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
While working on this paper, several people have practically ‘bent over backwards’ to
assist me work on this paper in various capacities.
First. I would like to thank the composer ofthe work, Dr. Paul Easier, for agreeing to be
interviewed about the work via email andfor providing me with a score as well as a
recording ofthe entire mass.
Special thanks also go to Ms. Rachel W. Muchiri, whose IT skills were an invaluable aid
in putting the papertogether. I would also like to thank my two families: my immediate
family—Mum and my three sisters—and the family ofthe St. Andrews’ Church Choir,
Nairobi, fortheir encouragement, support and prayers while I worked on this paper.
I would like to thank the Department of Music staff, and in particular Dr. Duke Pier, Dr.
Leonard Ratzlaffand Donna Masked fortheirtremendous help in accepting the paper
and facilitating behind the scenes processes for me while I am in Nairobi.
Lastly but not the least, I would like to sincerely thank from the bottom ofmy heart, my
Supervisor Dr. Robert J. deFrece (a.k.a Bob), whose help went overand above the call of
duty with advice, editing, patience, motivation, encouragement . . . and the list goes on.
Thank you very much Bob.
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