Wei Chen Lin

Date of Graduation

2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

DMA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

School of Music

Committee Chair

James Miltenberger

Committee Co-Chair

Peter Amstutz

Committee Member

William Haller

Committee Member

Andrea Houde

Committee Member

Bernie Schultz

Abstract

This research project is to introduce piano compositions by two living composers: David Gordon Duke and Stefan Young. The specific repertoire chosen for this study includes the following: Preludes (1980s), Postcards (1980s), and Sonatina (1977) by David Duke; and Prelude (1991), From the Dark Woods (1991), Meditation (2002), and La Guitarra (1993) by Stefan Young. This paper explores aspects of piano pedagogy and performance such as: (1) the basic technical approach; (2) suggestions for specific sound production; (3) interpretation of complex meters; (4) recommendations for pedaling and fingering; (5) observations of dynamics and articulations. The material discussed spans a broad range of technical challenges from elementary to advanced levels. The choice of the works of these two composers is intended to give teachers as well as students additional options for repertoire selection. Moreover, these pieces provide effective first engagement with contemporary music and are a viable substitute for some standard works that feature similar twentieth-century compositional techniques and ideas. It is hoped that this study will encourage pianists to appreciate music of their own time and place, thus fostering the continuing support and development of new music.

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