Artistic Expression, Individuality and Authenticity in Chopin Performance
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Date
2016-06
Authors
Strickland, Elizabeth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
The ability to perform Chopin fluently is an essential skill for any accomplished
classical pianist. Chopin composed primarily for solo piano, and his technical and
musical mastery of the instrument allowed him to write some of the most outstanding
compositions in the piano repertoire. Two of these compositions, the Barcarolle Op. 60
and the Sonata in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35, are especially deserving of close study. Both of
these pieces have unique technical and musical challenges as well as unusual musical
forms. I have listened to various historical interpretations and each pianist makes vastly
different choices in tempo, tone, dynamics, and artistic detail. It is important to
understand how and why these choices are made, and what helps to create the most
successful and musically inspiring performances. I will examine five performances of
the Barcarolle, and four performances of the Sonata Op. 35, to study the interpretations
by each pianist.
Description
71 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Music and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Arts, Spring 2016.
Keywords
Music, Chopin, Piano, Performance, Barcarolle, Sonata, Pianist, Recital