The thesis discusses the following three works composed by Bartok
between 1922 and 1938 : Sonata no. 2 for Violin and Piano,
Rhapsody no. 1 for Violin and Piano and "Contrasts" for Violin,
Clarinet and Piano.
Details relating to Bartok's compositional style in the three
chamber works are investigated, with particular reference to the
role of the piano. The piano writing is not innovative, but the
traditional boundaries are extended by means of the melodic
idiom, harmonies and rhythms. The thesis considers traceable
musical influences viz. folk music and the influence of other
composers; form and the tonal-contrapuntal fabric, rhythm and
meter, and performance considerations. The value of Bartok's own
recordings is addressed with regard to a critical evaluation of
Bartok's own interpretation, the importance of the precisely
notated scores, the controversial Bartok tempi, the application
of rubato and broken chord figurations and Bartok's views on
pedalling, articulation and ornamentation. Examples of all the
above-mentioned aspects are traced in the three works concerned,
and the pianistic style and dynamics and the interaction between
the piano and the other instruments are discussed.
The three works are compared and Bartok's development as composer
of chamber music is traced through this comparison.
The existence of Bartok's own interpretation of the Sonata,
Rhapsody and "Contrasts", is of particular value to the study and
serves as a main point of reference regarding the performance
aspect. Using these recordings as a basis, the thesis considers
the works from a pianist's point of view and insights are offered
into possible problematic areas in performance, in relation to
the piano part as well as the ensemble. The knowledge acquired
through the preceding analysis of the works assists in a better
understanding of the works and ensures an ultimately more
successful performance. / Thesis (M.Mus.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1990.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/8917 |
| Date | January 1990 |
| Creators | Bowen, Nellie. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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