"Fantasie und Doppelfuge" for organ by Evelyn Faltis (1887-1937): Background, Analysis, and Commentary

Abstract

This document consists of a comprehensive examination of Evelyn Faltis’ Fantasie und Doppelfuge (mit dem “Dies Irae”), op. 12 for organ solo. In addition to a structural analysis of the piece from a music theory perspective, the document also provides necessary musicological context by placing the work within its genre, time period, and national style, with special attention to its religious undertones. A brief biography of Evelyn Faltis, a list of her known works, primary sources relating to her career, and a performer’s guide to the piece are also included. Chapter One details the purpose of this study, a summary of existing research, and its procedures and limitations. Chapter Two is a biographical overview of Evelyn Faltis. Chapter Three traces the development of the cantus-based organ work in German musical history. Chapter Four describes the German Romantic organ and its defining characteristics. Chapter Five provides background on the Gregorian chant Dies Irae. Chapter Six details Evelyn Faltis’ contemporaries and compositional influences in this genre. Chapters Seven and Eight analyze the work’s thematic, structural, and motivic content. Chapter Nine is a performer’s guide designed to assist in studying and playing the piece. Chapter Ten is a summary and conclusion to the study. This document demonstrates the significance of Evelyn Faltis’ Fantasie und Doppelfuge as an important contribution to the organ solo repertoire by a heretofore overlooked and under-recognized woman composer.