A piano recital : various aspects of works from different periods

Abstract

The works discussed in this document form a one-hour piano recital as part-fulfilment for a Degree of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Music Studies (Piano Performance). I felt the need to present these works in a sequential order according to their historic background. From Scarlatti's Sonatas through Haydn's Sonata in C (The English Sonata) and Schumann's early opus numbers ("Abegg" Variations, Op. 1; Papillons, Op.2) to Bartok's Three Rondos based on Folk Tunes one can witness the diversity of styles spread approximately over two hundred and fifty years, as well as the development in compositional and keyboard techniques. This document is a historical and analytical study of the works. References to performance practices and interpretation of the styles throughout the years have also been included.