Graduate Studies
First Advisor
Greg Simon
Degree Name
Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)
Department
Music (Music Composition)
Date of this Version
5-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Citation
A doctoral document presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts
Major: Music (Music Composition)
Under the supervision of Professor Greg Simon
Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2025
Abstract
Mass of Perpetual Indulgence for chamber orchestra, electronics, soprano solo, and drag performer was written to bridge the gap between queerness and spirituality, to sanctify queer people and celebrate queer lives and communities. Amalgamating musical styles ranging from disco to opera, art song to EDM, this appropriation of the traditional Mass blurs the lines between the sacred and the profane. This work features original text by librettist Caroliena Cabada that responds to the narrative of the Mass Ordinary from a distinctly queer perspective. Ultimately, this work celebrates the queer body as a holy body, queer community as a sacred communion, and carnal pleasure as a consecrated sacrament.
Advisor: Greg Simon
Recommended Citation
Willette, Michael Joseph, "Mass of Perpetual Indulgence" (2025). Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–. 297.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissunl/297
Included in
Christianity Commons, Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, Composition Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Queer Studies Commons
Comments
Copyright 2025, Michael Joseph Willette. Used by permission