This dissertation addresses the development of German dramatic vocal music in the works of W.A. Mozart, Johann Strauss II and Richard Wagner. It also demonstrated the influence Richard Wagner had upon the following generation of dramatic vocal music composers. It comprises four programs that concentrate on the fore-mentioned composers through the various forms of incidental music or Singspiel, operetta, music drama and recital repertoire. Program one (November 11, 2007 and January 22, 2008), The Impresario, is Opera Theater of Pittsburgh's production of Mozart and Stephanie the younger's comedy with music. Program two (December 27, 29, 30, 2007), Die Fledermaus, is the production of Strauss' operetta by Opera

Theater of Pittsburgh. Program three (July 15-17, 2005; January 14-15 and 21-22, 2006; July 14-16 and 21-23, 2006) The Ring Saga is Opera Theater of Pittsburgh and Long Beach Opera's co-productions of Jonathan Dove's adaptation of Richard Wagner's epic cycle. Program four is a voice recital at the University of Maryland entitled The Influence of Richard Wagner upon Dramatic Vocal Music. All programs are documented in digital audio format available on compact disc or digital video format on digital video disc. All programs are accompanied by program notes also available in digital format.