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Villa-Lobos’S Segunda Sonata-Fantasia For Violin And Piano: An Analysis And Performance Guide, Maira Braga Cabral

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study focuses on Villa-Lobos’s Segunda Sonata-Fantasia for Violin and Piano, written between 1913 and 1914. A brief biography of Villa-Lobos until 1915 provides the context of the period during which he composed the piece. Next, Villa-Lobos’s main influences are presented, a list that includes European nineteenth-century aesthetics, Impressionism, Brazilian popular music, Wagner’s motivic treatment, and Brazilian indigenous music. Next, the main compositional devices used by the composer are discussed, providing examples from the Segunda Sonata-Fantasia and from other pieces by Villa-Lobos. A structural analysis of the piece is presented, focusing on the form, thematic approach, and harmonic processes.

The …

The Interval Dissonance Rate In Chopin’S Études Op. 10, Nos. 1-4: Dissecting Arpeggiation, Chromaticism, And Linear Progressions, Nikita Mamedov

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Chopin’s twenty-seven piano études display the composer’s poetic musical language, uniting keyboard techniques, virtuosity, and artistic imagery, while preserving Romantic lyricism and songfulness. Each of these studies is unique in its set of pianistic challenges, compositional processes, and difficulty level. Schenkerian analysis provides an interpretation of relationships between the notes that constitute the harmony and the melody. This type of analysis allows one to understand the theoretical aspects that are necessary to play Chopin’s études. The Schenkerian theories can be used to amalgamate pianism and performance with harmony and analysis. Furthermore, the Schenkerian understanding of these études provides an analytical …

Klezmer Elements In Paul Schoenfield’S Trio For Clarinet, Violin, And Piano: A Violinist’S Perspective, Hannah Phyllis Urdea Marcus

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Paul Schoenfield’s Trio for Clarinet, Violin, and Piano draws extensively on the traditional Klezmer music of the Ashkenazi Jewish people of Eastern Europe. The blending of three very different instruments, as well as the Klezmer elements, unusual for the classically trained musicians, creat difficulties, as well as opportunities, for the composer and for the performers alike.

Music is often considered a language. As with any language, in order to be fluent, one must understand the cultural aspects that shape that language and the people who speak it. The way the performers present a piece greatly influences the way it is …

The Viola In The Twenty-First Century: A Sound Recording And Performance Guide Of Peter Dayton’S "Fantasy For Viola And Piano," Christopher Hallum’S "A Day In Monroe County," And Christopher Lowry’S "Milestone Miniatures For Solo Viola" And "Suite For Viola And Piano", Christopher Daniel Lowry

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The standard repertoire of the viola is quite small when compared to that of the rest of the string family; the instrument came of age in the twentieth century, which brought about the first important virtuosos and compositions for the instrument. In the twenty-first century, the repertoire of the viola continues to grow, and the author, being both a violist and composer, feels it is important to continue contributing quality music to the instrument, both through his own compositions and through working with other living composers. The purpose of this research was to record a full-length CD of new works …

Convergent Styles: A Study Of Dave Brubeck's Points On Jazz, Ethan Loyd Rogers

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The music of Dave Brubeck encompasses diverse classical and jazz styles from around the world. Due to the eclectic nature of Brubeck’s music and the difficulty in categorizing his style, little has been written about his compositions. This document will aid musicians in better understanding his suite Points on Jazz, a work for classical piano.

The first chapter examines the development of Brubeck’s style from his early childhood years until 1958, the year he composed Points on Jazz. The second chapter details the background of this piece and some of its influences, including Dziekuje, the piece upon which Points on …

Ghost Rags By William Bolcom: A Descriptive Analysis And Performance Guide, Vera Zholondz

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This document is intended to contribute to the ongoing study of William Bolcom’s work by focusing on the Three Ghost Rags. The main purposes of this study and the accompanying public lecture-recital are threefold: 1) to provide a background on William Bolcom’s compositional style and his role in the revival of interest in ragtime, 2) to provide a specific descriptive analysis of the Three Ghost Rags and 3) to provide a detailed discussion of the pianistic challenges and requirements found in the Three Ghost Rags. These are offered as a practical guide for the performer who wishes to attain an …

The Analysis And Interpretation Of Three Selected Piano Pieces By Chen Yi: Duo Ye, Ba Ban, Ji-Dong-Nuo, Yun-Hui Lai

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation is intended to contribute to the ongoing study of three selected piano pieces written by the contemporary Chinese American composer Chen Yi. These three works— Duo Ye (1984), Ba Ban (1999), and Ji-Dong-Nuo (2005)—respectively represent her early, middle, and recent periods. Also, they show Chen’s diverse and sophisticated compositional style as it evolved from her conservatory years to her current position as a mature and successful composer. The written portion consists of six chapters. The first chapter will provide the historical background information on the dramatic changes in musical trends in China during the second half of the …

Alberto Ginastera's Twelve American Preludes : Descriptive Analysis And Performer's Guide, Alejandra Saez

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This monograph presents a detailed descriptive analysis and performer’s guide for Alberto Ginastera’s Twelve American Preludes Op.12. The author emphasizes the study of specific compositional and pianistic techniques for the performer who wishes to develop a deeper understanding of this remarkable twentieth century work. Equally important is the attempt to develop a greater appreciation of the importance and contributions of one Argentina’s greatest composers.

An Introduction To The Piano Music Of Manuel M. Ponce, Luis Francisco Gaytan

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Manuel María Ponce Cuéllar (1882-1948) was a Mexican pianist, composer and educator. A prolific composer, Manuel Ponce wrote orchestral suites and symphonic poems; three concertos, one each for piano, guitar and violin; chamber works; over 400 works for piano, both solo and in ensemble; a large collection of works for the guitar long considered the foundation of the modern guitar repertoire; over 200 songs; choral works and music for the stage. His constant search for and assimilation of new musical materials and compositional techniques lead him to write a large and eclectic catalogue of works. A brilliant pianist on his …

A Performance Guide To Jake Heggie's From 'The Book Of Nightmares', Kristen Bauer Marchiafava

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The document will examine the four songs of the cycle, From ‘The Book of Nightmares,’ in detail and give suggestions for stylistic interpretation and performance. The written document contains four chapters: Chapter One provides biographical information and a stylistic overview of the composer Jake Heggie. Chapter Two contains biographical information and a stylistic overview for the poet Galway Kinnell. Chapter Three will provide information about the premiere and recording of From ‘The Book of Nightmares,’ as well as biographical information about soprano Lisa Delan, for whom the song cycle was written, and reviews of her recording “The Hours Begin to …

The Significance Of Selected Piano Compositions By Pancho Vladigerov, Boriana Kojouharova Buckles

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study examines selected compositions for piano by Pancho Vladigerov - the Three Pieces for Piano, Opus 15, Bulgarian Rhapsody, Opus 16, Shumen Miniatures, Opus 29, and Improvisation and Toccata, from Episodes, Opus 36. These pieces strongly represent the various periods and stylistic trends of the composer. They are also among Vladigerov's most popular and frequently performed piano compositions. The first chapter provides a brief biography of Pancho Vladigerov and an overview of his most important compositions. Chapter Two contains an overview of the solo piano works of Vladigerov. Chapter Three examines the selected piano compositions from a formal and …