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The Evolution of Piano Technique: Romanticism vs. Minimalism Melissa Johnson University of Mary Washington Department of Music Spring 2017 Abstract: From 1780 to 1910, music underwent drastic changes throughout what came to be known as the Romantic Period. With the newfound interests of the era, came new musical themes which continued to evolve even after the end of Romanticism. In this lecture recital, the differences in technique over three centuries will be evaluated in relation to the changes in societies’ attitude toward how music should be presented. In addition to the discussion of the evolution of technique, I will perform two examples: one Romantic piece, Frederic Chopin’s Berceuse; and a Minimalist approach to the same piece. 1 Table of Contents: Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………...…p. 1 Introduction…………………………………………...………………………...………….…. p. 3 Thesis……………………………………………………………………………………..….…p. 3 Approach and Methods……………………………………..…………………………………. p. 4 Implications of Research…………………………………………………………………......... p. 4 Work Plan/Time Table……………………………………...………...………………………...p. 5 References………………………………………………………………………………………p. 6 2 Introduction: Romanticism was dominated by themes of unrequited love which resulted in musical techniques such as frequent use of harmony and counterpoint. Harmony, as well as use of secondary dominant chords, created an overall musical atmosphere of peace and satisfaction. In addition to the unrestrained emotional expression often employed throughout this period, variances in dynamics and tempo became more common. These changes brought about due to Romanticism also became the gateway to the unique sound of Minimalism. Due to Romantic composers’ experimentation with abrupt changes in chord progressions and melodies, twentieth-century composers were able to build upon their ideas and create unique sounds that were not previously replicated. Thesis: Romantic music and the twentieth-century composers of the Minimalist style share similar musical techniques due to the evolution of style over these time periods. With an analysis of the Romantic era and an explanation of how Romantic composers aided in developing the unique characteristics that make the period inimitable, an understanding of Minimalism will be obtained through a breakdown of the similarities that developed over time. 3 Approach and Methods: I will research the development of the Romantic period along with primary composers of those years and how the composers left an impact on music over time. In addition, I will study the evolution of piano technique and compare the techniques found in the Romantic period with the techniques employed by twentieth-century Minimalist composers. With the found knowledge of the evolution of piano technique, I will draw conclusions on the relation between the two periods and focus on the distinct differences. Lastly, I will briefly explain the concept of the prepared piano and the process used to recreate Chopin’s Berceuse. Implications of Research: With this research on the evolution of two specific time periods, the process is to get one to ponder how two completely different and unique periods can still be united. The focus on one piece of music will strengthen the argument that the similarities are enough to be substantial. 4 Work Plan/Time Table: Projected Date Actual Date Complete abstract and proposal January 24 January 27 Meeting with instructor January 31 Abstract and proposal February 7 presentation Complete Biographies and CV February 16 Hearing and Program Draft February 23 Complete Press Release Draft February 28 Complete Press Release March 9 Complete Programs March 14 Presentation and Performance April 13 Portfolio Presentation April 20 5 References: “Romantic Music”. Essential Humanities. Accessed January 27, 2017. http://www.essential-humanities.net/western-art/music/romantic/. Rush, Toby W. "Romantic Era Techinques." Toby Rush. Accessed January 27, 2017. http://tobyrush.com/theorypages/pdf/0311romanticeratechniques.pdf. 6