While China possesses one of the world's richest musical heritages, it remained unaffected by Western music until early in this century. Subsequently, there was a movement of nationalism in music approximately three decades after the introduction of Western music. This movement, aimed at utilizing Western compositional techniques to create musical works that still would be uniquely Chinese, continues even today. Huang's piano concerto was written in 1982, just a few years after the Cultural Revolution. At the time, most Chinese composers were "handicapped" by their lack of knowledge of Western contemporary music and by their limited study of both Western and Chinese traditional forms. Huang Anlun, a composer-in-residence at the Central Opera House in Beijing, traveled to North America to study at the University of Toronto and Yale University. Subsequently his music is widely performed and well received around the world. After presenting background information on Western music in China and an introduction to basic Chinese music theory, this study has analyzed Huang's piano concerto, with a particular focus on identifying, comparing, and analyzing elements of Western and Chinese music. After a survey of the formal structure of the concerto, this study has discussed Chinese modality and Western harmony--the two most important factors in the conception of Huang's concerto. A comparative study between Chinese folk songs and the thematic materials in Huang's concerto is followed by a discussion on "imitations" of Chinese instruments. The study has also examined Western compositional techniques incorporated into this concerto, such as thematic transformation, contrapuntal writing, cyclic procedure, as well as atonal and serial techniques. Through a detailed analysis, this study attempts to demonstrate how Huang has blended Western and Chinese musical syntaxes to create an artistic work that is also uniquely Chinese.

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The lecture recital was given on November 20, 1972. The discussion of Webern's Variations and Dallapiccola's Quaderno Musicale consisted of a analysis of the two works followed by a comparison of stylistic and performance aspects. The two works were then performed. In addition to the lecture recital four other public recitals were given. Two of these consisted entirely of solo literature for the piano. The third recital was a vocal chamber music recital and the fourth consisted of a piano concerto performed with an orchestra.

A dissertação apresenta pesquisa sobre o Estado do Conhecimento na produção recente (2007-2012) de teses e dissertações relacionadas à performance pianística, defendidas em programas de Pós-Graduação em Música, no Brasil. Diante do crescimento quantitativo e qualitativo evidenciado na produção em questão, o presente trabalho tem como propósito oferecer uma discussão e análise crítica do conteúdo das pesquisas selecionadas, inserindo-se num contexto acadêmico caracterizado por uma ampla discussão sobre o formato de pesquisas em Performance Musical. Uma vez que a investigação em Performance Musical encontrase ainda em consolidação, no Brasil, pretendemos discutir acerca da contribuição de determinadas propostas para esta subárea. A fim de oferecer uma visão crítica sobre os rumos tomados pela pesquisa em performance pianística, adotamos uma metodologia baseada em modelos de pesquisa do tipo \"estado da arte\", bem como técnicas de análise de conteúdo. A dissertação oferece uma visão panorâmica e análise dos principais temas, tendências e métodos de pesquisa identificados. Os resultados apresentam perspectivas de pesquisa emergentes que têm atraído os investigadores, tais como a Pesquisa Artística e estudos vinculados à Musicologia Empírica. Mostra o distanciamento de pesquisas quanto à apresentação de considerações sobre a relação do estudo com a performance musical. Destaca o aspecto interdisciplinar em produções recentes relacionadas à performance pianística. / This dissertation presents a research on the state of knowledge in recent production (2007- 2012) of theses and dissertations related to piano performance, defended in Music Graduate Programs in Brazil. Given the qualitative and quantitative growth evidenced in the scientific production in question, this dissertation aims to provide a critical discussion and analysis of its context, inserting in an academic context characterized by an extensive discussion on the configuration of the research in musical performance. Since research in Musical Performance is still undergoing a process of consolidation in Brazil, we intended to discuss about the contribution of selected proposals to this subarea. In order to offer a critical view of the directions taken by research in piano performance, we adopted a methodology based on models of \"state of knowledge\" as well as content analysis techniques. It also presents some emerging perspectives on this field such as artistic research and studies related to empirical musicology. It shows the gap of some researches on the presentation of considerations about the relation between the study developed and music performance. The results highlights the interdisciplinary aspect on the recent production related to piano performance research.

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The literature on psychological well-being indicates that high levels of psychological well-being encourage a psychological loop that reinforces itself, lifting an individual on an 'upward spiral' of continued psychological flourishing, which may contribute to positive human functioning. In addition, the literature suggests that effective intervention can raise the levels of psychological well-being. There are features inherent in the training of student pianists that can contribute to their psychological vulnerability, especially with regard to self-concept and anxiety. Therefore, they can benefit from an intervention that may raise their level of psychological well-being, thus contributing to their resilience in coping with the challenges presented by their training as well as their piano performance. Clinical observations as well as research indicate that the Tomatis Method can enhance psychological well-being and improve academic functioning. Furthermore, Tomatis' theories and observations suggest that this programme can also enhance music performance, especially with regard to self-listening skills. However, although Tomatis indicates that he observed the same results with instrumentalists as with singers, his writings mostly refer to singers. Except for a single case study by Madaule in 1976, there seems to be no other scientific evidence that the Tomatis Method has benefited student pianists. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the effect of the Tomatis Method on student pianists' psychological well-being and piano performance. The empirical study consisted of a two-group pre-post assessment mixed-method design, involving thirteen 2nd year to postgraduate student pianists from the School of Music and Conservatory, of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus). These students were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 7) which was exposed to the Tomatis Listening Programme, and a non-intervention control group (n = 6). Quantitative data were obtained by means of a battery of tests, which included self-report inventories regarding psychological well-being and music performance anxiety, as well as scales regarding piano performance. The levels of the participants' psychological well-being were measured with the Scales of Psychological Well-Being (Ryff, 1989), the Affectometer 2 (Kammann & Flett, 1983), and the Profile of Mood States (Mc Nair et al., 1992). Participants' levels of music performance anxiety were measured with the Music Performance Anxiety Inventory for Adolescents (Osborne & Kenny, 2005), and the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (Kenny et al., 2004). The quality of the students' piano performances was assessed by means of a general impression expressed as a percentage, Mills' constructs (1987) for the assessment of music performance, and Piano Performance Rating Scale (PPRS) which was developed for this study. Qualitative data were acquired by means of interviews, group discussions, projective drawings, written reports, personal observations and the Tomatis Listening Test Results indicated improvement regarding some aspects related to student pianists' psychological well-being and piano performance. Further research with regard to these aspects is required. / Thesis (M.Mus.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The literature on psychological well-being indicates that high levels of psychological well-being encourage a psychological loop that reinforces itself, lifting an individual on an 'upward spiral' of continued psychological flourishing, which may contribute to positive human functioning. In addition, the literature suggests that effective intervention can raise the levels of psychological well-being. There are features inherent in the training of student pianists that can contribute to their psychological vulnerability, especially with regard to self-concept and anxiety. Therefore, they can benefit from an intervention that may raise their level of psychological well-being, thus contributing to their resilience in coping with the challenges presented by their training as well as their piano performance. Clinical observations as well as research indicate that the Tomatis Method can enhance psychological well-being and improve academic functioning. Furthermore, Tomatis' theories and observations suggest that this programme can also enhance music performance, especially with regard to self-listening skills. However, although Tomatis indicates that he observed the same results with instrumentalists as with singers, his writings mostly refer to singers. Except for a single case study by Madaule in 1976, there seems to be no other scientific evidence that the Tomatis Method has benefited student pianists. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the effect of the Tomatis Method on student pianists' psychological well-being and piano performance. The empirical study consisted of a two-group pre-post assessment mixed-method design, involving thirteen 2nd year to postgraduate student pianists from the School of Music and Conservatory, of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus). These students were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 7) which was exposed to the Tomatis Listening Programme, and a non-intervention control group (n = 6). Quantitative data were obtained by means of a battery of tests, which included self-report inventories regarding psychological well-being and music performance anxiety, as well as scales regarding piano performance. The levels of the participants' psychological well-being were measured with the Scales of Psychological Well-Being (Ryff, 1989), the Affectometer 2 (Kammann & Flett, 1983), and the Profile of Mood States (Mc Nair et al., 1992). Participants' levels of music performance anxiety were measured with the Music Performance Anxiety Inventory for Adolescents (Osborne & Kenny, 2005), and the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (Kenny et al., 2004). The quality of the students' piano performances was assessed by means of a general impression expressed as a percentage, Mills' constructs (1987) for the assessment of music performance, and Piano Performance Rating Scale (PPRS) which was developed for this study. Qualitative data were acquired by means of interviews, group discussions, projective drawings, written reports, personal observations and the Tomatis Listening Test Results indicated improvement regarding some aspects related to student pianists' psychological well-being and piano performance. Further research with regard to these aspects is required. / Thesis (M.Mus.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

During Aaron Copland's long and productive life, he has written many compositions of distinction; among his piano compositions are the Passacaglia, Piano Variations, and Four Piano Blues. These three piano works were composed during a span of over twenty years and reflect many different influences in the composer's musical life. The Passacaglia, an early work, was written under the direction of Copland's teacher, Nadia Boulanger. It was strongly influenced by her and the French neoclassic school. The influence of jazz is most prominent in the Four Piano Blues, whereas the Piano Variations were influenced by Arnold Schoenberg and other composers of the twelve-tone school. This study contains an examination of each of three piano pieces mentioned, with emphasis upon aspects of thematic development, harmony, rhythm, and sonority; then a comparison between the pieces is made.

A dissertação apresenta pesquisa sobre o Estado do Conhecimento na produção recente (2007-2012) de teses e dissertações relacionadas à performance pianística, defendidas em programas de Pós-Graduação em Música, no Brasil. Diante do crescimento quantitativo e qualitativo evidenciado na produção em questão, o presente trabalho tem como propósito oferecer uma discussão e análise crítica do conteúdo das pesquisas selecionadas, inserindo-se num contexto acadêmico caracterizado por uma ampla discussão sobre o formato de pesquisas em Performance Musical. Uma vez que a investigação em Performance Musical encontrase ainda em consolidação, no Brasil, pretendemos discutir acerca da contribuição de determinadas propostas para esta subárea. A fim de oferecer uma visão crítica sobre os rumos tomados pela pesquisa em performance pianística, adotamos uma metodologia baseada em modelos de pesquisa do tipo \"estado da arte\", bem como técnicas de análise de conteúdo. A dissertação oferece uma visão panorâmica e análise dos principais temas, tendências e métodos de pesquisa identificados. Os resultados apresentam perspectivas de pesquisa emergentes que têm atraído os investigadores, tais como a Pesquisa Artística e estudos vinculados à Musicologia Empírica. Mostra o distanciamento de pesquisas quanto à apresentação de considerações sobre a relação do estudo com a performance musical. Destaca o aspecto interdisciplinar em produções recentes relacionadas à performance pianística. / This dissertation presents a research on the state of knowledge in recent production (2007- 2012) of theses and dissertations related to piano performance, defended in Music Graduate Programs in Brazil. Given the qualitative and quantitative growth evidenced in the scientific production in question, this dissertation aims to provide a critical discussion and analysis of its context, inserting in an academic context characterized by an extensive discussion on the configuration of the research in musical performance. Since research in Musical Performance is still undergoing a process of consolidation in Brazil, we intended to discuss about the contribution of selected proposals to this subarea. In order to offer a critical view of the directions taken by research in piano performance, we adopted a methodology based on models of \"state of knowledge\" as well as content analysis techniques. It also presents some emerging perspectives on this field such as artistic research and studies related to empirical musicology. It shows the gap of some researches on the presentation of considerations about the relation between the study developed and music performance. The results highlights the interdisciplinary aspect on the recent production related to piano performance research.