Henderson, Alan E.2015-08-282015-08-282015-01-222015-08-28http://hdl.handle.net/10315/30003This compositional thesis is a song cycle for baritone voice and small ensemble of upright bass, violin, and steel-string guitar, based on the poem “Homonculus” by MacKenzie Regier. In Part 1, I explore several sources of inspiration for the cycle’s compositional rigour, including cross-application of Stanislavski acting method to composers and the selected works of Radiohead, Tom Waits, and Koji Kondo. In Part 2, I give a detailed accounting of the application of the principles explored in Part 1 and explain many of my compositional decisions in relation to the meaning of the source poetry. The scores, program notes, poetry, and lyrics are attached in the appendices.enAuthor owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.MusicTheaterElectronic Thesis or Dissertation2015-08-28CompositionCompositional methodGender and musicPoetryPoetry settingSongsSong cycleStanislavskiTransgender