The purpose of this study was to develop and apply an experimental grading system to sonatas written by American-born composers from 1950 to 1975. Although several authors have addressed the problem of grading or classifying piano music, there are generally no precise criteria provided to substantiate the validity of their systems. The present author discovered some significant and innovative yet generally neglected piano sonatas.The grading system in this research was based on the physiological factors effecting the pianist's development. These factors include: 1) Equality of Fingers (finger independence and mobility); 2) Passage of the Thumb (scales and arpeggios); 3) Double-Note and Polyphonic Playing; 4) Extensions (stretches between the fingers); and 5) Arm Rotation (execution of chords and octaves). In addition, since factors such as retuning of the instrument., polyrhythms, and improvisation can make a moderate or intermediate piece into a difficult one, a Special Problem category was added.Each of the six physiological divisions are assigned a numerical. difficulty level from one to ten. The divisions are then averaged and assigned a final "grade" as follows:Easy 1 (E-1)=1.0-1.9; Easy 2 (E--2)=2.0-2.9; Moderate 1 (M-1)--3.0--3.9; Moderate 2 (M-2)=4.0-4.9; Intermediate 1 (I-1)=5.0--5.9; Intermediate 2 (I-2)=6.0-6.9; Difficult. 1 (D-1)=7.0--7.9; Difficult 2 (D-2)=8.0-8.9; Virtuoso (V)=9.0.Eighty--six sonatas were reviewed and graded. These compositions represent a broad selection of works of various degrees of difficulty. By knowing the student's abilities and needs, the piano instructor may use this study to select sonatas that correspond to the appropriate level of attainment.Of the works reviewed, the majority fall into the Moderate category. This was not an unusual finding in that certain pianistic development is required before being able to play the scores. The grading system differs from previous systems in that it provides criteria for the placement of the works into a difficulty rating based on the physiological factors affecting the pianist's development.

Tyzen Hsiao(1938-), one of the most important Taiwanese composers in modern time, whose main contribution is to blend Taiwanese folk music into the western music, promoting and introducing it to the international stage. His compositional style is not only influenced by S. V. Rachmaninoff(1873-1943), F. Chopin(1810-1849), and B. Bartók(1881-1945), it is also strongly marked by native Taiwanese folk music. His works are numerous and his composing realm, being various and wide, includes many forms of works. The thesis discusses and analyzes different kinds of Hsiao¡¦s piano works, focusing on the melody, harmony, folkloric music material, and composing techniques, so to categorize the composing style and language of his piano works. This study includes the analysis of his representative work¡ÐPiano Concerto in C Minor, Op.53, and the related discussion of the performing skills and interpretation. This thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter one describes the motivation, means and realm of the study. Chapter two presents Hsiao¡¦s life and music works and the important factors that have influenced the formation of his music style, including his life, his Christian belief, education, the background of his study of western music, and the ideal of blending eastern and western music. Chapter three focuses on a practical analysis of his piano composition style. It is categorized into four music characters: Romanticism, Taiwanese folkloric music material, the composition method of the 20th century music and the poetic music expression. Chapter four discusses his most important piano work¡ÐPiano Concerto in C Minor, Op.53. In addition, the author has met with the composer himself in order to understand the thought of his composition and receive valuable comments that have helped analyzing the entire work and the characteristics of this work. Also through the commands of critics, the author discusses the related questions of the performing skills and interpretation of this piece, so to present specific explanation and recommendation. Chapter five concludes Hsiao¡¦s piano work style, and the value and influences of his works.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oklahoma, 1995. / Appendix A lists Olson's compositions by genre. Includes bibliographical references.

Dichterliebe / Robert Schumann -- Vier Stucke fur Klarinette und Klavier, op. 5 / Alban Berg -- Drei kleine Stucke, op. 11 / Anton Webern -- Vox balaenae (Voice of the whale) / George Crumb -- 4'33" / John Cage. / text

Grand duo concertant, op. 48 / Carl Maria von Weber -- For you there is no song / Leslie Adams -- Night / Florence B. Price -- Ride on, King Jesus! / arr. Hall Johnson -- Sonata in g minor, op. 19 / Serge Rachmaninoff. / text

Piano trio in B flat major, K. 502 / W. A. Mozart -- Piano trio in C minor, op. 1, no. 3 / Ludwig van Beethoven. / text

The concept of vaiation in Shostakovich's sonata for violin and piano, op. 134 -- Conata for violin and piano, op. 134 / D. Shostakovich. / text

Sonata in A major for violin and piano / Cesar Franck -- Piano trio no. 2 in C minor, op. 66 / F. Mendelssohn. / text

The lark ascending / Ralph Vaughan Williams -- Fantasie for violin and piano in C major, D. 934 / Franz Peter Schubert -- Violin sonata in A major / Cesar Franck. / text

Der Nussbaum : from Myrten, op. 25, 3 ; Marienwurmchen : from Lieder-Album fur die Jugend, op. 79, 13 ; Weit, weit : from Myrten, op. 25, 20 ; Du bist wie eine Blume : from Myrten, op. 25, 24 ; Erstes Grun : from 12 Gedichte, op. 35, 4 / Robert Schumann - La Boheme. Act I. Chi e la? ; Si sente meglio? ; Che gelida manina ; Si, mi chiamo Mimi ; O soave fanciulla / Giacomo Puccini -- Piano trio in A minor / Maurice Ravel. / text