Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

School of Music

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

This paper accompanies my transcription for Cello Quartet of Yiannis Constantinidis' "Petite Dodekanese Suite" originally composed for violin and piano. Constantinidis, skillfully weaves Greek folk-inspired elements with classical forms and techniques in his "Petite Suite for Violin and Piano." The chamber piece serves as a testament to Constantinidis' mastery, as it intricately melds folk melodies, rhythms, and modes from the rich musical traditions of Greece with classical structures. This fusion imparts a distinctly Greek character to the composition, evoking a profound sense of nostalgia and connecting the listener to the cultural heritage and spirit of the Greek people. The paper initiates with a brief exploration of the historical context in which Constantinidis lived. It delves into the aspirations for a Greek National Music School during a time marked by the challenges of wars in the 19th and 20th centuries. These tumultuous periods significantly influenced the attempts to establish a national musical identity. Additionally, the paper offers insights into Constantinidis' life, highlighting aspects that foreshadow the influences shaping his unique compositional style. Later, the paper analyzes folk songs from the Baud-Bovy transcription, revealing how Constantinidis orchestrates them to blend Greek musical traditions with Western classical styles. The purpose of this analysis is to spotlight the folk songs that served as inspiration for the composer. Simultaneously, it delves into the influences drawn from earlier years, notably from renowned composers such as Debussy, Ravel, and Bartok. The exploration extends to examining how these influences manifest in Constantinidis' composition, specifically in terms of compositional style, forms, and techniques.

Date

1-25-2024

Committee Chair

Parker, Dennis.

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