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- Genre: Doctoral Dissertation
- Creators: Campbell, Andrew
Description
The process of learning orchestra reductions on the piano is rather different from learning a piece originally written for the piano. Even though Dvořák’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in b minor is among the most performed works for cello and orchestra, and has been transcribed carefully by both the composer and other editors, the existing piano reductions are not always representative of many important aspects of the original orchestral score. Some reductions have large portions with unplayable or uncomfortable passages for pianists, or imprecise notations compared to the original orchestration, such as inaccurate indications for dynamics, rhythms, and notes. In rehearsal and performance, the pianist is challenged to adapt and transform one of the existing reductions into a playable and productive piano reduction, one which creates Dvořák’s full orchestral sonorities while retaining clarity of voicing. The resulting sound can be infinite in variety, as individual decisions and reductions may differ greatly. This paper will explore the following: how to reduce this orchestral score and solve the technical problem involved in orchestral writing for piano while effectively producing the sound of the orchestra in the piano reduction. There will be a literature review on important published reductions and a brief history of the work and composer. While it is not possible to discuss in detail each passage that has been revised or altered, this paper will focus on and analyze representative and substantial passages, including the perspective of two different reductions: Bärenreiter (2011) and Bärenreiter Praha (2004). It will provide a detailed demonstration of each example and will make suggestions for changes which will concentrate on capturing the essence of the orchestral score at the piano. Chapter one introduces and presents current editions. Chapters two, three and four will discuss each movement of the concerto with detailed explanations about changes in certain passages and sections. The appendix will feature a new revised reduction of Dvořák’s Cello concerto in B minor.
ContributorsKim, Hyewon (Author) / Campbell, Andrew (Thesis advisor) / Norton, Kay (Committee member) / Ryan, Russell (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2020
Description
The purpose of this research is to create a new piano reduction of Carl Nielsen’s Flute Concerto. Danish composer Carl Nielsen was born in 1865 and died in 1931. His compositional focus on orchestral writing made him renowned for his symphonies and concerti for flute and clarinet. Today his concerti are often performed by both professional musicians and students.
The first published piano reduction of the Flute Concerto was issued in 1952 by the composer’s son-in law, Emil Telmányi, who was a Hungarian violinist and conductor. This reduction was published by Samfundet til Udgivelse af Dansk Musik. In 2003, as part of The Carl Nielsen Edition, Edition Wilhelm Hansen published a new revised edition of the concerto. The piano reduction of this edition was written by Danish pianist Per Salo, and is the most frequently used by pianists today. This edition contains much information pertaining to the orchestration, but this often causes the piano part to become challenging or unplayable in many passages.
For collaborative pianists, playing concerti requires both the ability to imitate the orchestral sound, and to understand and show the main ideas of each passage. However, as this concerto is often performed in universities by flutists and pianists of different skill levels, creating a simplified version of the piano reduction will support many pianists by helping them to learn this music in a more approachable and easily performable context.
The first published piano reduction of the Flute Concerto was issued in 1952 by the composer’s son-in law, Emil Telmányi, who was a Hungarian violinist and conductor. This reduction was published by Samfundet til Udgivelse af Dansk Musik. In 2003, as part of The Carl Nielsen Edition, Edition Wilhelm Hansen published a new revised edition of the concerto. The piano reduction of this edition was written by Danish pianist Per Salo, and is the most frequently used by pianists today. This edition contains much information pertaining to the orchestration, but this often causes the piano part to become challenging or unplayable in many passages.
For collaborative pianists, playing concerti requires both the ability to imitate the orchestral sound, and to understand and show the main ideas of each passage. However, as this concerto is often performed in universities by flutists and pianists of different skill levels, creating a simplified version of the piano reduction will support many pianists by helping them to learn this music in a more approachable and easily performable context.
ContributorsLee, Juhyun (Author) / Campbell, Andrew (Thesis advisor) / Ryan, Russell (Committee member) / Little, Bliss (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla started to receive greater recognition throughout the world after his death in 1992, leading to the growing popularity of his compositions. An excellent example of this is Las Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas composed by Piazzolla for his tango ensemble in the late 1960s and later arranged by Russian violinist Leonid Desyatnikov for violin soloist with string orchestra. As this arrangement has grown in popularity, it has become among the many extraordinary pieces that talented violinists play for recitals, concerto competitions and even final jury exams in many musical institutions. However, as of now, many musicians have faced a challenge because there is no published piano reduction for them to use. This project aims to create an orchestral reduction of the string orchestra parts that can benefit both collaborative pianists and violinists. This reduction will create timbres and textures similar to the original orchestration in an arrangement that is idiomatic for the instrument, and worthwhile to rehearse and perform as a collaborative pianist. While the appendix features the new reduction in its entirety, this paper aims at discussing and explaining the most important editing choices in different aspects when arranging the reduction, rather than examining each choice measure by measure throughout the composition. In this way, the technique demonstrated in this document can be employed in other reductions, and will hopefully provide inspiration for collaborative pianists to create new reductions for other works.
ContributorsChen, Po Hsun (Neilson) (Author) / Campbell, Andrew (Thesis advisor) / Ryan, Russell (Committee member) / Wells, Christi Jay (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
Description
This document examines the many ways in which the arts can benefit rural areas. It aims to illuminate potential opportunities found in rural areas for all types of artists, and discusses important points on building arts programs, organizations, and events in these areas. Having a strong arts presence can positively impact the economy, education system, community and well-being in rural areas. The arts help to strengthen community identity, provide exposure to new artistic experiences while preserving local culture, create a more resilient economy, strengthen the education system, and provide a creative outlet for community members. Musicians visiting a rural community have access to a unique and fulfilling opportunity to create, advocate, share and learn. Creating short and long term arts programs and organizations within these communities is an important way of guaranteeing a more sustainable presence of the arts. This document outlines rural areas and their typical characteristics, discusses the impact the arts can have on the rural economy, education system, and well being of the community and its individuals, and explores the many opportunities and experiences available to visiting artists and musicians in rural areas. It also discusses key issues and approaches when creating arts programs, events, and organizations in rural areas. Interviews with rural residents, artists and musicians, and arts advocates, along with the author’s personal experiences and observations provide unique insight into arts advocacy in rural areas, and why it is important.
ContributorsOff, Sarah Nicole (Author) / Jiang, Danwen (Thesis advisor) / Schmidt, Margaret (Thesis advisor) / Rockmaker, Jody (Committee member) / Campbell, Andrew (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
This project details specific placement and usage of the Clara motive in Robert Schumann’s Dichterliebe. The analysis categorizes the motive according to its different shapes and relationships to the poetry in Dichterliebe. Four main permutations of the motive are discussed in great detail: the original motive, inverted motive, retrograde motive, and retrograde inverted motive.
Schumann (1810–1856) composed more than 160 vocal works in 1840, commonly referred to as his Liederjahr. At the time, Schumann and Clara Wieck (1819–1896) were planning to marry, despite the objections of her father Friedrich Wieck (1785–1873). Robert was inspired to write Dichterliebe because of the happiness-and anxiety-surrounding his love for Clara, and the difficulties leading to their impending marriage. Schumann used the Clara motive (C-Bb-A-G#-A), which incorporates the letters of her name, throughout the song cycle in special moments as a tool of musical expression that alludes to his future wife.
Eric Sams (1926–2004), a specialist of German Lieder, has made significant contributions to the research of the Clara motive in Schumann’s music (through his book The Songs of Robert Schumann). However, research into specific locations and transformations of the Clara motive within the Dichterliebe are still insufficient. A further awareness of the Clara motive’s inner working is intended to help performers interpret this song cycle.
Schumann (1810–1856) composed more than 160 vocal works in 1840, commonly referred to as his Liederjahr. At the time, Schumann and Clara Wieck (1819–1896) were planning to marry, despite the objections of her father Friedrich Wieck (1785–1873). Robert was inspired to write Dichterliebe because of the happiness-and anxiety-surrounding his love for Clara, and the difficulties leading to their impending marriage. Schumann used the Clara motive (C-Bb-A-G#-A), which incorporates the letters of her name, throughout the song cycle in special moments as a tool of musical expression that alludes to his future wife.
Eric Sams (1926–2004), a specialist of German Lieder, has made significant contributions to the research of the Clara motive in Schumann’s music (through his book The Songs of Robert Schumann). However, research into specific locations and transformations of the Clara motive within the Dichterliebe are still insufficient. A further awareness of the Clara motive’s inner working is intended to help performers interpret this song cycle.
ContributorsYoo, Jihye (Author) / Campbell, Andrew (Thesis advisor) / Rogers, Rodney (Committee member) / Ryan, Russell (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Contemporary Chinese composers have a rich palette from which to draw inspirations of the distinctive timbres of ancient instruments, the diverse musical types, and the development of musical instruments. Zhou Long, an internationally recognized Chinese-American composer, has created a compositional style that transfers the sounds and techniques of ancient Chinese musical traditions to modern Western instruments. An examination of Zhou Long’s compositions Secluded Orchid and Spirit of Chimes demonstrates his synthesis of Chinese and Western techniques as well as cross-cultural integration. To gain a better understanding of the compositional process of these two piano trios, the author conducted a personal interview with Zhou Long on October 21, 2016, during which he provided unique insight into the influences and inspirations of these pieces. This document describes how the history of ancient Chinese music, the Chinese Cultural Revolution, as well as Zhou Long’s life and education, influenced Seclude Orchid and Spirit of Chimes. The inspirations, formal structures, harmonic language, and compositional techniques that are presented in these works are also discussed. Finally, other repertoires of Zhou Long that share similar ideas or inspirations are explored.
ContributorsLi, Xiaolin (Author) / Jiang, Danwen (Thesis advisor) / Campbell, Andrew (Committee member) / Rockmaker, Jody (Committee member) / Swartz, Jonathan (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to analyze Tunes from My Home, a Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano by Chinese-American composer Chen Yi (b. 1953), as well as to provide a performance guide from a collaborative pianist's perspective. Of Cantonese origin herself, Chen Yi composed several works inspired by Cantonese music, including this trio. Chen Yi composed this trio between 2007 and 2008 and dedicated it to her long time friend pianist Pan Xun, who is also of Cantonese origin. Inspired by this shared Cantonese heritage, Chen Yi incorporated within this work three well-known Cantonese tunes, Cantonese instrumental techniques and sonorities, and elements of the shifan luogu, a wind and percussion ensemble often used in traditional Cantonese music. Coming from the same region as the composer, the author of this paper feels connected with this piece, and as a collaborative pianist, has the opportunity to introduce Cantonese music to a wider audience through the piano trio. Chapter one introduces the motivation for this study. Chapter two provides a brief biography of Chen Yi. Chapter three introduces the history, the scales, and the instruments of Cantonese music as well as other Cantonese influences on this trio, especially the three tunes. Chapter four includes a detailed analysis of each movement in terms of the form and application of the tunes and rhythms of Cantonese music. Chapter five shares the author’s experience of approaching and interpreting this piece in an appropriate style based on her Cantonese roots. The conclusion evaluates the significance of the fusion of Cantonese music with Western compositional techniques in this piece.
The purpose of this study is to analyze Tunes from My Home, a Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano by Chinese-American composer Chen Yi (b. 1953), as well as to provide a performance guide from a collaborative pianist's perspective. Of Cantonese origin herself, Chen Yi composed several works inspired by Cantonese music, including this trio. Chen Yi composed this trio between 2007 and 2008 and dedicated it to her long time friend pianist Pan Xun, who is also of Cantonese origin. Inspired by this shared Cantonese heritage, Chen Yi incorporated within this work three well-known Cantonese tunes, Cantonese instrumental techniques and sonorities, and elements of the shifan luogu, a wind and percussion ensemble often used in traditional Cantonese music. Coming from the same region as the composer, the author of this paper feels connected with this piece, and as a collaborative pianist, has the opportunity to introduce Cantonese music to a wider audience through the piano trio. Chapter one introduces the motivation for this study. Chapter two provides a brief biography of Chen Yi. Chapter three introduces the history, the scales, and the instruments of Cantonese music as well as other Cantonese influences on this trio, especially the three tunes. Chapter four includes a detailed analysis of each movement in terms of the form and application of the tunes and rhythms of Cantonese music. Chapter five shares the author’s experience of approaching and interpreting this piece in an appropriate style based on her Cantonese roots. The conclusion evaluates the significance of the fusion of Cantonese music with Western compositional techniques in this piece.
ContributorsWu, Xuelai (Author) / Campbell, Andrew (Thesis advisor) / DeMars, James (Committee member) / Landschoot, Thomas (Committee member) / Ryan, Russell (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
Korean composer Youngmin Jin (b. 1959) has composed in a wide variety of genres, including works for solo instruments, chamber music ensembles, orchestra, and opera. Jin has written only five solo piano pieces. This paper discusses three of these works for solo piano: Tschum für Klavier (1998), From Childhood for Piano (2014), and A Little Talk for Piano (2016-2017). Prior to the description of these pieces, the document provides a biography of the composer and introduces his compositional features through examples from his music for other genres. Jin has a flexible approach to tonal organization, which he calls SinJoseong. In certain works he employs such Korean elements as pentatonicism, ornamentation, and distinctive Korean rhythms, incorporating them into his music in Western forms and idioms. Jin's later style tends toward clarity and the use of basic elements, a trend that is evident in the two later piano works discussed here, in particular in their formal structures and their sharing and transforming of motives.
The examination of the content and features of these three piano pieces by Youngmin Jin is augmented by information gained through interviews with the composer. A link to my recording of these works is provided in support of the discussion.
ContributorsLee, Eunhwa (Author) / Holbrook, Amy (Thesis advisor) / Meir, Baruch (Thesis advisor) / Campbell, Andrew (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
This research document focuses on rarely performed piano transcriptions. A total of 28 works are discussed. These works have high artistic value and should not be forgotten by pianists. Most of the transcribers are renowned pianists, such as Harold Bauer and Alfred Cortot, or composers themselves. Unfortunately, these works are seldom played in today's public concerts, or on online resources such as YouTube, Vimeo, or iTunes. Some people may think these works are neglected because the scores are hard to find, but they can be easily obtained online. Pianists around the world can access these scores in just a few minutes via the Internet.
In this research document, I discuss the transcriptions one by one. First, I introduce the background of the pieces, the composers, and the transcribers. Then, through comparison of the original pieces with the transcribed ones, I discuss the approaches of transcription and highlight the special features of each work. Finally, I recommend the concert occasions appropriate for the transcriptions based on their characteristics. I offer many musical examples from the works discussed. These excerpts should help the pianist to understand the style and technical difficulty, as well as to decide if the work meets their programming needs.
In this research document, I discuss the transcriptions one by one. First, I introduce the background of the pieces, the composers, and the transcribers. Then, through comparison of the original pieces with the transcribed ones, I discuss the approaches of transcription and highlight the special features of each work. Finally, I recommend the concert occasions appropriate for the transcriptions based on their characteristics. I offer many musical examples from the works discussed. These excerpts should help the pianist to understand the style and technical difficulty, as well as to decide if the work meets their programming needs.
ContributorsHuang, Kuang-Li (Author) / Meir, Baruch (Thesis advisor) / Campbell, Andrew (Committee member) / Hamilton, Robert (Committee member) / Holbrook, Amy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Heinrich Heine’s collection of poems, Lyrisches Intermezzo, is well-known in music circles, largely due to Robert Schumann’s settings of sixteen of these poems in his masterwork Dichterliebe. Because of Dichterliebe’s place of importance in art song literature, many other settings of Heine’s sixty-five poems are often overlooked. Breton-born composer Joseph Guy Marie Ropartz composed Quatre Poèmes d’après l’Intermezzo d’Henri Heine in 1899, after having collaborated on a new French translation of the entire Lyrisches Intermezzo in 1890. This cycle is rarely performed, largely due to Ropartz’s relative obscurity as a composer, as the focus of his career was administration of two regional conservatories in France. The Quatre Poèmes were written fairly early in Ropartz’s life, but feature many compositional techniques that remain staples of Ropartz’s work throughout his career. It is an accessible work to many singers and audience members already familiar with Heine. The texts of the four songs are not simply translations of Heine’s original, but altered to adhere to the rules of French poetry. Examining the changes made in the text, both in language and structure, reveals information that will aid performers’ understanding of the poetry and of Ropartz’s choices in musical setting. The music of the work is greatly dependent on a single motive, an idée fixe, and considering the role of this motive in its various appearances is illuminating to the narrative arc of the cycle. This study seeks to aid potential performers and listeners of the Quatre Poèmes by expanding their understanding of the artists responsible for creating it, and by exploring the textual and musical elements that are the building blocks of this work.
ContributorsHutchinson, Taylor Grace (Author) / Campbell, Andrew (Thesis advisor) / Holbrook, Amy (Committee member) / DeMaris, Brian (Committee member) / Ryan, Russell (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019