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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to determine which movements in the large choral works of J. S. Bach are contrafacta; (2) to compare those movements with their prototypes; (3) to document changes which were made in the adaptation; and (4) to speculate on what reasons may have prompted these alterations. In assessing the relative value of the contrafactum and its prototype several aspects were considered: what type of parody was involved; whether the prototype was a great work of art; whether its textual content was similar to that of the later version; and whether the music fitted its new setting. The method of the composer was also considered: were there many changes or was it a mechanical transformation; even if it was'merely a "mechanical transformation," was it successful? An attempt was also made to determine whether or not there was a symbolic connection between the parody and its prototype. The conditions under which the contrafacta were written were also considered. To such questions, unequivocal answers were not always possible since clear and precise documentation was often unavailable. In many instances one could only suggest possible solutions. However, the investigation confirmed Schering's thesis that, even though Bach's borrowings were usually due to pressures of public performance, the contrafacta contain several aesthetic improvements and reveal a high degree of artistry. Indeed, they may be considered the climax in the Baroque Era of this particular compositional technique. Some of the transformations provided excellent examples of typically Bachian traits, the most common of which was textual and formalistic symbolism. Another noticeable feature was a general tendency to make the later setting more extensive and massive than the original composition. Consequently, wherever it was possible, Bach added new instrumental and vocal parts, increased the length of the later versions, augmented certain melodic intervals, and usually made the contrafacta more melismatic than their models. In the smaller Masses, however, Bach tended to simplify harmonies making the later composition more austere than its model. Although the tendency throughout the parodies was to improve the setting, the functional aspect still influenced the transformation to such a degree that a few of the parodies seem inferior to their prototypes. This was especially evident in the contrafacta sections of the Christmas Oratorio. Nevertheless, perhaps the most distinct trait in all of the contrafacta was the care with which Bach chose his models; inevitably the texts of both versions were formally similar and often a subtle symbolism in the relationship between text and music was preserved. In addition to these specific aspects, another conclusion can be drawn which is equally important--the need for further study in this area of musical research. For instance, in Bach's own works there is still much to learn from his instrumental contrafacta and those in the Cantatas. Moreover, a perusal of the literature revealed that there is a dearth of material available on the contrafactum as a recurring phenomenon in music history and as a technique employed by other composers. By filling in this gap, scholars might gain further insight into the work methods of other great masters.

No description available.

Thesis--Zürich.

The compositional periods of Johann Christian Bach, the youngest son of J. S. Bach, include Berlin, Italy, and London, and the keyboard concertos were written in Berlin and London. The works written in Berlin period were influenced by his brother, C. P. E. Bach, and the styles of those concertos written in London were created under the musical atmosphere of London society. The thesis is a study of the relationship between the London musical society and keyboard concertos of J. C. Bach. The discussion includes three chapters, in addition to the introduction and conclusion. Chapter one is the general discussions about the composer, the development of solo concerto, and historical background of the keyboard concerto in London. The second chapter focuses on the musical society in London in the second half of the eighteenth century. The third chapter contains detailed discussions of the style differences of the keyboard concertos composed by J. C. Bach between the Berlin and London periods. J. C. Bach was the private music tutor of Queen Charlotte, while traveling in London during 1762 to 1782. At the same time, he also participated in teaching, composing, performing, and organizing public concerts very actively. He wrote three sets of keyboard concertos, opus 1, 7, and 13. Each set includes six concertos, and each of which mainly contains two movements. The style of keyboard works of J. C. Bach are characterized by the pre-classical styles of symmetry and balance of the phrases. The concertos were written mostly for amateurs, and in order to satisfy the necessity of the musical market and teaching, the skill of the solo part was not technical demanding, they were simple. The concertos were composed for both harpsichord and piano, but more intended for the piano instrument, especially opus 7 and 13. The wealth economy, the improvement of manufacture techniques of the keyboard instrument, the prevailing public concerts, and the musical needs for Royal family and amateur musicians in London were the important reasons that effected the stylistic changing of J. C. Bach¡¦s writing of keyboard concertos.

Diss.--Mainz Universität, 1997. / Bibliogr. p. 167-180.

Texte remanié de: Diss.--Trier--Trier Univ., 1998. Titre de soutenance : Charakteristika der Naturlyrik Su Shis und ihre ästhetische Grundlagen. / Bibliogr. en chinois et en allemand p. 227-240. Bibliogr. p. 240-245. Index.

Diss.--Philosophische Fakultät, Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Univ., 2002. / Bibliogr. p. [251]-275. Notes bibliogr.

Texte remanié de: Habilitationsschrift--Evangelisch-Theologische Fakultät--Münster--Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 1997. / Bibliogr. p. 552-591. Index.

Texte remanié de: Dissertation--Philosophische Fakultät--Göttingen--Georg-August-Universität, 2000. / Bibliogr. p. 272-291. Résumé en anglais.