A piano recital : an insight on the performance of pianoforte works from the Classical to the late Romantic period

Abstract

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Music Studies, in which the author has chosen to discuss the learning process in piano performance through seven works – all of which provide a comprehensive challenge of technical and interpretational work, and will eventually be performed for an undergraduate final recital.

In the dissertation, which is presented as a formal summary of the progress and difficulties the author faced while mastering these pieces, she discusses the relevance of a historically informed practice and the corresponding piano techniques which eventually lead the student towards a confident, historically informed performance which empowers the student performer and allows liberty in interpretation. This was achieved by the author after detailed research on the relevant historic background of the piece and composer was carried out. This knowledge was then linked with a brief, guided analysis of each work leading to the student acquiring a thorough understanding of each piece. Aspects of performance practice were also taken into consideration to aid in overcoming technical obstacles whilst remaining stylistically correct.

The dissertation contains an Introduction, a Literature Review (Chapter 1), Four chapters in which a historical background of each chosen work, a brief analysis and technical difficulties is included; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sonata K. 309 in C Major (Chapter 2), Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 14, No.2 (Chapter 3), Felix Mendelssohn’s Lieder ohne Worte Op. 19, No.2, Op. 30, No. 1, and Op. 38, No. 2 (Chapter 4), and Frederick Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 32, Nos. 1 and 2 (Chapter 5), and a Conclusion.