This project consists of two vocal compositions, each of which situate examinations of linguistic elements in musical contexts. The first, "…ce dangereux supplément…", for solo voice with optional electronics and video, consists of three phonetic sound poems which act out a rehearsal of the Derridean supplement in an attempt to locate a broader definition of 'text-setting'. The second, Die Aufgabe des Übersetzers, for six voices, is a multi-movement setting of the Walter Benjamin essay of the same title. Rather than setting the text directly, a variety of techniques have been utilized to set Benjamin's words while also realizing the philosopher's approach to translation theory in musical structures. The full dissertation may be downloaded here, while individual sections (including multimedia elements) are highlighted below.