Music Performance Commons^™

Sunday Music Series: Carla Trynchuk & Elena Braslavsk, Andrews University

Concerts and Event Programs 2026-2027

Professor of Music and renowned violinist Carla Trynchuk and the equally renowned international pianist Elena Braslavsk present a joint recital under the Sunday Music Series.

Reimagining The Cadenza: Bluegrass And Mozart, Linna Zheng

Honors Theses

The bluegrass-inspired cadenza for the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 is a parallel with the “Turkish” episode of Mozart’s composition. While introducing the bluegrass idiom into a Classical concerto may not be idiosyncratic, it can be understood and seen as an extension of Mozart’s own practice and approach to stylistic disruption. This approach can be understood through the concepts of Sonata Theory, revealing the cadenza as a site of productive deformation within a normative formal framework. Along with this, Robert S. Hatten’s concept of troping further supports the idea that the interaction between Classical and bluegrass idioms …

Teaching And Performing Ginastera: A Stylistic And Pedagogical Exploration Of Ginastera’S Pampeana No. 1, Paula Toral Navarro

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This project examines Alberto Ginastera’s Pampeana No. 1 for violin and piano through both stylistic performance and pedagogy approach. The research has two primary objectives: (1) to propose a performance perspective that draws on traditional Argentine musical idioms alongside Western classical practice, and (2) to create a pedagogical guide that supports the development of the technical and stylistic skills required for the work, including a sequence of preparatory pieces. The written document provides an overview of Ginastera’s life, including cultural and political context and an examination of his compositional style within his nationalist period. It also examines selected elements of …

Graded Repertoire For Violin By Latin American Composers: Pedagogical Analysis And Categorization Of Selected Pieces, Irene Guerra Rudas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Repertoire sequences have evolved from a collection of technical studies into a comprehensive educational framework. This research aims to enhance the integration of innovative pedagogical materials by identifying, analyzing, and categorizing works originally composed for violin by Latin American composers. These works are assessed for their suitability within a structured violin curriculum and organized into graded levels, ranging from elementary to advanced.

Each selected piece is evaluated according to pedagogical parameters commonly used in established violin teaching traditions. These parameters include pitch range, rhythmic complexity, bow strokes, length, stylistic diversity, musical language, and the historical and cultural relevance of both …

Emerging From The Cocoon: Strategies To Assist The Classical Violinist Develop Improvisational Fluency In A Range Of Musical Styles, Judith A. Iddison

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This autoethnographic practice-led research project documents the journey of expanding my classical violin practice with the aim of developing improvisational fluency in a range of musical styles. Building upon findings and strategies outlined in my honours thesis, which centred on the artistry of Australian cross-genre violinist Shenzo Gregorio (Shenton Gregory), this doctoral study is underpinned by an iterative cyclic process of critical observation, reflection and analysis and an examination of literature.

Knowledge gained through one-on-one, aural-based, practical violin-improvisation instruction with Gregorio was applied within collaboration with the evolving string ensemble, Sign of Four. Further, combining this tuition and collaboration with …

Naomi Pelayo Senior Violin Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2024-2025

Naomi Pelayo presents her Senior Recital Añoranza. Featuring works by Brahms, J.S. Bach, Silvestrov, Sarasate, Wieniawski, and José Sabre Marroquín.

Mailyn Iribar Junior Violin Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2024-2025

Mailyn Iribar presents her Junior Recital Liebesleid. Featuring works by Clara Schumann, Béla Bartók, Jessie Montgomery, Amy Beach, Johannes Brahms, and Fritz Kreisler.

Martin Bresnick's “Bitter Suite” Duo For Violin And Piano, Xun Xu

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This document is intended to be a practical tool for those interested in performing, researching, and cultivating an acute understanding of Martin Bresnick’s Bitter Suite Duo for Violin and Piano. A composer working within varying neoclassical and modern idioms, Bresnick has merited many accolades, from the Rome Prize to a Guggenheim to the American Academy of Arts and Letters' first-ever Charles Ives Living Award.

The first movement of Bitter Suite was commissioned by the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bresnick enjoyed composing this movement and was inspired to write three additional movements, transforming the commission …

Composing A Cadenza For Mozart's Violin Concerto In A Major, Gracie Hayes

Honors Projects

Historically, soloists from the Western art music tradition were expected to improvise a virtuosic passage during their performance of a concerto—that is, an extensive orchestral work featuring an instrumental soloist. These improvised passages, called cadenzas, were performed unaccompanied by the soloist during a prominent cadence and were derived from the ornamentation that occurred naturally during cadences in vocal arias. Contemporary composers write out these virtuosic passages for performers, who are rarely expected to improvise during a performance, with the exception of jazz musicians. When performing works dating from before the Romantic period, musicians are left with a dilemma. Should they …

Unveiling The Idiomatic And Performance Inspirations: A Comparative Study Of The Red Violin Caprices By John Corigliano., Johan Alexander Pepper

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

John Corigliano's composition for "The Red Violin," a 1998 film by Don McKellar and François Girard, presents a multifaceted exploration of thematic material and performance challenges. This dissertation investigates Corigliano's creation of the "Red Violin" Caprices, examining their origins in the film's soundtrack and their transformation into solo works. Corigliano's intention to showcase the artistry of violinist Joshua Bell through these caprices underscores their technical and musical complexity. The Caprices, replete with references to the Baroque era and various virtuosic works, demand a high level of virtuosity from performers. Drawing on a sequence of seven chords and Anna’s Theme from …

Mozart’S Violin Concerto In D Major, K. 271a/271i: A “Dubious” Work That Is Nevertheless Worthy Of Study, Di Su

Publications and Research

Mozart Violin Concerto in D Major, K. 271a/271i, also known as Kolb Concerto, is a less popular, due to the unsettled authenticity matter, and yet a worth learning piece. In this concerto Mozart, if he wrote it, seemed to have not only kept his previous violin concerto writing style but also started exploring new ways of writing. Aiming at college music students, violin teachers, and professional performers, this article calls for the attention to this rarely performed violin concerto. The author synthesizes background information, such as authenticity and viewpoints of many musicologists, about this concerto from various sources and …

Demiana Ibrahim's Senior Recital: Music Across Continents And Centuries, Demiana Ibrahim

Scripps Senior Theses

This thesis contains the recording and program notes of Demiana Ibrahim's Senior Recital in partial Completion of the Music major on the Performance track. The music performed is from a wide variety of composers, in addition to two transcribed from orchestral renditions by the performer herself. Beyond the composers expected in the Western canon, this performance includes music of North African origin, and highlights the first mainstream successful African American classical composer.

Zoe Shiu Senior Violin Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2023-2024

Her recital, entitled “Resilience,” recital features work by female composers Lili Boulanger, Dora Pejačević, Amy Beach, and Allison Loggins-Hull and assisted by pianist Eleanor Joyce.

Dhara Marquez Senior Violin Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2022-2023

Le Souvenir

A senior recital by Dhara Marquez. Accompanied by Kenneth Logan, Diego Duran and Aiko Ayala

Simon Luke Brown Senior Violin Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2022-2023

Simon Luke Brown is a student of violin, music history, theory, voice, musicology, composition, viola, and conducting.

Analogous, Catherine G. Mcdonald

Recital Papers

The recording process and traditional fiddle could be perceived as unrelated; however, the evolution of both in many ways could also be considered analogous. Correspondingly, the culminating recording of this project arranged, recorded, and produced tunes that emulated the evolution of the traditional fiddle and its recorded medium. This process included historically accurate arrangements, instrumentation, performance technique, and locations for recording. The double-sided album compared the usage of analog and digital recording and production methods based on the appropriate era for each composition. The “A” side of this project was recorded entirely with analog recording methods. The musical works for …

Trynchuk, Braslavsky Recital, Andrews University

Concerts and Event Programs 2022-2023

Violinist Carla Trynchuk has performed internationally as soloist with orchestra and recitalist in the United States, Canada, Australia, England, France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Romania, Moldova, Brazil, and India, including solo performances with the Calgary Philharmonic (Alberta, Canada), the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra (Croatia), Orquestra Filarmônica da PUCRS (Brazil), Iaşi Philharmonic Orchestra (Romania), Banatul Philharmonic Orchestra (Timisoara, Romania), the National Philharmonic Orchestra (Moldova), the Bacau Philharmonic (Romania), Bostani Philharmonic (Romania), and Oltenia Philharmonic (Craiova, Romania). She performed the Brazilian premiere of the American Barber Violin Concerto, with the National Theater Symphony Orchestra of Brazil in a concert commemorating 200 years of …

Analysis Of Selected Pieces Influenced By Taiwanese Aboriginal Music For Solo Violin And String Quartet, Isabel Hsin-Yi Ong

Theses and Dissertations

This is an analysis of three pieces that contribute to solo violin and string quartet repertoire through the lens of intervallic relationships, rhythmic and gestural motifs, and instrumental technique. Briefly delving into the Aboriginal history of Taiwan and illuminating aural concepts inherent within each tribe, the research blends musicological research, theoretical analysis, and intuitive performance-based interpretations to meld and expand the technical and musical possibilities of the violin with the essence and impact of these songs.

Exploring The Regional Traditions Of Fiddling, Anna N. Eyink

Student Theses

During the 1600s, the modern violin traveled from Italy to the British Isles and North America. The instrument became a vital piece of each region's musical culture, and distinct fiddling traditions became established in Ireland, Scotland, Cape Breton, and America. This thesis explores the history of the Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Appalachian, and bluegrass fiddling traditions. Additionally, the performance practices of each style are discussed in depth and are related back to the traditional tunes recorded as a part of this project.

New Transcription For Cello And Piano Of The “Sonata For Violin And Piano” By Uruguayan Composer Hector Tosar, Including A Performance Edition, Analysis, And Biography, Jose Pedro Romero-Ottonello

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This paper accompanies my transcription for cello and piano of Héctor Alberto Tosar Herrecart’s Sonata for Violin and Piano. It presents a brief study of Tosar's life, documenting his study with various composers in Uruguay and elsewhere, influences on his evolving compositional style, and an analysis of the sonata itself. I examine the manuscripts of other works by Tosar to provide an understanding of his musical language, including his “Serie sinfónica: en cuatro movimientos,” “Sinfonía no. 2 para orquesta de cuerdas,” “Sonatina no. 2. Solitude,” and “Salmo CII: para coro y orquesta.” The purpose of this project is to document …

Sunday Music Series - Brian Lewis, Andrews University

Concerts and Event Programs 2021-2022

One of the most versatile and charismatic violinists today, Brian Lewis is an exceptionally dedicated and gifted performer whose passionate artistry has been heard and embraced around the world. Lewis has a passion for teaching aspiring young artists and helping them find their own musical voices.

The Development Of Slurs In Violin Bowing During The Italian Seicento: Printing And Rhetoric, Joan Plana Nadal

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Venice and Bologna were the leading Italian publishing centers for violin music during the seventeenth century. While composers in other countries circulated their music in manuscript or copper engraving, Italian publishers continued operating with movable type. Although this printing method was cheaper, it was also inadequate when faced with more advanced instrumental music. With the fast rise in popularity of the violin at the beginning of the century and the new stile moderno, composers started adding more technical demands for the violin, including requests that publishers were not always able to add later in print. Some of the most …

A Pedagogical Approach To The Technical Aspects Of Eugène Ysaÿe’S Solo Violin Sonatas No. 5 And No. 6, Jianda Bai

Dissertations, 2020-current

Since the completion of Ysaÿe’s Six Sonatas for the Solo Violin in 1923, performances of this important work in the violin literature have continually been well received by the public. This collection is frequently compared with J.S. Bach’s Six Sonatas and Partitas for the Solo Violin, because of the clear connection between these two works. Each of Ysaÿe’s pieces were dedicated to six younger violinist contemporaries and were composed in consideration of the character of the dedicatee, forming a kaleidoscope of musical and technical delights for both the performer and their audience.

While each of Ysaÿe’s six sonatas offer …

A Teacher's Companion For The Emerging Electric Orchestra, Rachael Greenman

Recital Papers

Historically orchestral string instruments have been defined as classical instruments. As a result in primary and secondary school programs students have been relegated to playing music by Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. Those programs and that world is rapidly evolving. A broad range of new electric string instruments and technologies are being introduced into the classroom and everything from pop to rock to show tunes are being played engaging students in new and exciting ways. The challenge for teachers and administrators is how to start such a program in their school. This thesis explores the unique challenges and opportunities that this …

Tiffany Steinweg Senior Violin Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2019-2020

Tiffany Steinweg in her senior violin recital. Tiffany collaborates with Dr. Kenneth Logan and her brother, Grant Steinweg, on piano.

Graduate Violin Recital, Xiaotong Yang

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

My Master’s thesis consists of a graduate-level violin recital and a supporting document of program notes. The repertoire for the recital should includes the following works: Max Bruch, Violin Concerto No.1 in G Minor; Johann Sebastian Bach, Violin Partita in D minor; Astor Piazzolla, Tango Etudes No.3, and an extra section that is about Musician Injuries. The music pieces were composed over the past two centuries, these work display a variety of styles and musical forms. The content of thesis included background history, theoretical and interpretative analysis of musical detailed information.

Daley Lin Junior Violin Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2020-2021

Daley Lin performs a recital featuring works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, and Li accompanied by Dr. Kenneth Logan, Piano

Maggie Wilcox Junior Violin Recital, Andrews University

Student Degree Recitals 2020-2021

Maggie Wilcox performs her junior recital in violin, a program titled: Still Waters, featuring works by Brahms, Bach, Paganini, and others.

Degree Recital: "The Solo Violin", Simon Luke Brown, Department Of Music

Student Degree Recitals 2020-2021

Simon Luke Brown presents his Junior violin recital. Performing pieces for the solo violin, featuring works by Locatelli, Bach, Paganini, Ysaye, Tate, and Brown.

Young Artist Celebration: Part 1, Department Of Music

Concerts and Event Programs 2020-2021

The Department of Music presents the 2021 Young Artist Concert, this year in a two-part concert series. This first concert features student soloists Emily Jurek, piano, Jeremy Myung, violin, and Simon Luke Brown, violin. Featuring works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Brown. In addition, the world premiere of DOM faculty member Dr. Max Keller's orchestral work The Genesis.