Date of Award
2025
Degree Name
Music
College
College of Arts and Media
Type of Degree
M.A.
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Dr. Vicki Stroeher
Second Advisor
Dr. Julio Alves
Third Advisor
Dr. Ashley Greathouse
Abstract
Among percussionists, the names of many marimbists come to mind before that of Vida Chenoweth (1928-2018), the pioneer of the modern marimba recital. Chenoweth began her first recital tour in the early 1950s at a time when the marimba did not yet have a dedicated solo repertoire, and women were largely excluded from performing on orchestral instruments. This thesis explores the musical and social contexts in which Chenoweth performed and worked, with particular attention to her recital history, critical reviews, and, through works written specifically for her performance, her technical abilities. She not only sparked the evolution of marimba technique but also dictated a rise in the expectations for quality compositions for the instrument. Ultimately, she proved a model for a burgeoning feminism and paved the way for women to enter male-dominated musical institutions
Subject(s)
Chenoweth, Vida.
Marimba.
Marimba music.
Feminism -- Music.
Women's history -- Music.
Orchestral music.
Recommended Citation
Hall, Jackson, "Chenoweth prevails: the connection between social standards and the marimba’s development in the Western art music tradition" (2025). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 1966.
https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/1966
Included in
Gender and Sexuality Commons, History of Gender Commons, Musicology Commons, Music Performance Commons, Women's History Commons
