Summary of Dissertation Recitals Three Programs of Piano Music

Abstract

Three recitals of piano music were presented in lieu of a written dissertation.

The first recital traced the development of an Italianate keyboard language, beginning with Domenico Scarlatti and continuing to present day. Keyboard sonatas of Scarlatti interwove with related works across epochs to underscore close relationships in the musical language of Italy.

Friday, October 7th, 2016, 7:30pm, Britton Recital Hall, University of Michigan. Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in C major, K. 159; Gioachino Rossini/Grigory Ginzburg Figaro’s Cavatina from the Barber of Seville; Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in F minor, K. 466; Luciano Berio Luftklavier; Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in D minor, K. 141; Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in D major, K. 214; Gioachino Rossini/Franz Liszt La danza (Tarantella napoletana); Franz Liszt Les jeux d’eaux à la Villa d’Este; Domenico Scarlatti Sonatas in F-sharp major, K. 318/9; Gioachino Rossini/Franz Liszt La regata veneziana (Notturno); Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in F major, K. 379; Salvatore Sciarrino Prelude; Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in D major, K. 96.

The lecture recital discussed the compositional genesis and techniques of Frederic Rzewski’s four North American Ballads. Particular attention was given to the origins and texts of the four titular folk songs, how Rzewski treated the folk songs compositionally in order to reveal higher truths, and the resulting social commentary.

Tuesday, December 6th, 2016, 7:30pm, Britton Recital Hall, University of Michigan. Lecture: “Frederic Rzewski’s North American Ballads: Structure and Social Context;” Frederic Rzewski North American Ballads, 1. Dreadful Memories, 2. Which Side Are You On?, 3. Down by the Riverside, 4. Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues.

The final piano recital featured “late-style” works: the final piano sonata of Scriabin, the final opus for solo piano of Brahms, and the final piano sonata of Schubert. This grouping was meant to serve as a reflection on how an artist’s musical language might change as they reach the end of their life.

Saturday, April 1st, 2017, 8:00pm, Stamps Auditorium, University of Michigan. Alexander Scriabin Piano Sonata no. 10, op. 70; Johannes Brahms Klavierstücke, op. 119; Franz Schubert Piano Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960.