Publication Date

2015-05-01

Availability

Open access

Embargo Period

2015-05-01

Degree Type

Doctoral Essay

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

Keyboard Performance (Music)

Date of Defense

2015-04-03

First Committee Member

Naoko Takao

Second Committee Member

Santiago Rodriguez

Third Committee Member

Tian Ying

Fourth Committee Member

Juan Chattah

Abstract

This research is an instructional source for every pianist who studies Ravel's piano music, for learning or teaching purposes. This essay focuses on the piano performance and musical interpretation aspects of Maurice Ravel's selected piano works and the suite Gaspard de la Nuit. The goal of this study is to open new horizons and possibilities for young pianists who seek to develop an individual artistic voice, musical creativity, imagination, and independent interpretation within the field of music performance. The essay is organized into three chapters following the three introductory chapters. The fourth chapter introduces Ravel's biography, highlighting his personal characteristics as an individual and as an artist. The fifth chapter presents a general analysis of his most significant compositions for piano. The sixth, and largest chapter is entirely dedicated to a detailed and descriptive analysis of Ravel's piano suite Gaspard de la Nuit, discussing characteristics of genre, harmony, rhythm, structure, and dynamic for each of the three movements. Included in this chapter are suggestions for: solving technical problems, specific recommendations for practicing, and approaches to sound production.

Keywords

Maurice Ravel; Gaspard de la Nuit; Piano texture

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