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Copland's "Single Vision" and the Piano Sonata: A Lecture Recital, Together with Three Recitals of Selected Works of J.S. Bach, B. Bartok, L.v. Beethoven, F. Chopin, F. Liszt, W.A. Mozart, J.P. Rameau, M. Ravel, and F. Schubert

Difficulties are encountered in any discussion of Copland's style, for his works cover the spectrum from harsh, dissonant works to folk music. To avoid the task of defining a style which encompasses this array of vastly different pieces, a sharp distinction is frequently made between the abstract and popular works. However, Copland has repeatedly objected to such categorization, claiming that he composed from a single vision. A careful examination of his total output proves the validity of his claim. Many common characteristics are found throughout works from all categories and time periods. These traits include a basic economy of materials, emphasis on thirds, consistent method of development, use of declamation, jazz-influenced rhythms, cyclicism, and a slow/fast/slow sequence of movements, as well as within single movements. This document uses the Piano Sonata as a model of Copland's style, for it exemplifies these characteristics more clearly than any other major piece for piano. By making numerous comparisons with other works, Copland's single vision is revealed.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc331476
Date08 1900
CreatorsMorris, Gregory W. (Gregory Wayne)
ContributorsRoberts, Jack Lundy, 1931-, Brothers, Lester Dwayne, 1945-, Cho, Gene J., Glick, Edwin L.
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Formatxi, 39 leaves: music, Text
RightsPublic, Morris, Gregory W. (Gregory Wayne), Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
RelationRecital: June 6, 1988, ark:/67531/metadc983909, Recital: March 23, 1987, ark:/67531/metadc917342

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