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The solo cello music of Benjamin Britten : an analysis : First cello suite, op. 72, Second cello suite, op. 80, Third cello suite, op. 87, and Tema Sacher

The purpose of this study was to recognize the unique character of Benjamin Britten's writing for cello and to exhibit his exceptional contribution to the cello repertory. Britten made a significant contribution to the cello repertory with his six cello works: Sonata. for Cello and Piano in C, Op. 65, Cello Symphony, Op. 68, The Three Cello Suites, Op. 72, Op. 80, Op. 87, and Tema `Sacher . However, many of these compositions are underperformed and overlooked by today's performers. This disregard by the general public for Britten's cello works may be because of the interest in other extreme compositional styles employed by several other composers in the 20th century. While Britten's contemporaries focused on extremely inventive methods of writing, Britten focused on his own renovation of the traditional elements.This study focused on Benjamin Britten's four solo cello works: The Three Cello Suites, Op. 72, Op. 80, Op. 87, and Tema `Sacher'. It began with a biographical overview of Benjamin Britten's life, his writing philosophy, and the way it influenced his compositional process. This study then delved into the depth of the three solo cello suites, Tema `Sacher', and concluded with a summary of the analysis.Each of the works were examined and analyzed according to Britten's use of the concept of duality. The dual elements of rhythm/tempo/meter, motive, key/tonality/modality, form, and texture were analyzed in details. This study analyzed every movement based on its application of those elements. Excerpts of music were also provided to illustrate with the analysis.This study hopes to allow the public to rediscover the ingenious writing Benjamin Britten achieved and to encourage today's cellists to recognize Britten's importance as a composer in the history of cello composition. / School of Music

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/176111
Date January 2007
CreatorsFan, Chia-Lin
ContributorsTurner, Kristin M.
Source SetsBall State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Formatviii, 220, iii leaves : music ; 28 cm.
SourceVirtual Press

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