Slonimsky was also a composer. His works are not widely known, but he wrote songs, piano pieces, and orchestral works. Two song cycles, The Five Advertising Songs, and The Gravestones at Hancock, N. H., are probably among his best known compositions. Written with Slonimsky's trademark humor and wit these songs are bound to entertain the most discriminating audiences and challenge the most talented performers. This document is a study of those two song cycles. It explores the creative genius of Slonimsky and, provides the performer with information and performance suggestions for recital programming of these songs.

The study is divided into five chapters. The first presents the parameters of the study which include: an introduction, need for the study, purpose, survey of literature, and organization of the study. Chapter two includes a biographical sketch of Nicolas Slonimsky and a comparison between his writing and compositional style. Chapter three includes a background and performance analysis of Slonimsky's Five Advertising Songs. Chapter four is a background and performance analysis of Slonimsky's Gravestones at Hancock, N. H. The study concludes with ideas for further research.

In a very real sense he was a musical Renaissance man of the 20th century. He was not only a skillful and creative musician, but also a highly skilled linguist and creative word smith. One of the most notable things he is remembered for was his friendship with Charles Ives, and with Edgar Varese. Slonimsky was instrumental in creating a venue for which their music was first widely introduced to the world.

In the world of music Nicolas Slonimsky (1894--1995) was best known as a writer of words, and he is famous for his contributions as a musical lexicographer. He has edited Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Music and Musicians, and has written such important works as Music Since 1900 and Lectionary of Music, among several others. He began life in pre-Revolutionary Russia, emigrated to the United States, became a U.S. Citizen, and worked professionally in his field until his death in 1995 at the age of 101.