Date of Award

1996

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

Music

First Advisor

Dinos Constantinides

Abstract

The dissertation is divided into two parts. Part I is an analysis of Witold Lutoslawski's "Variations on a Theme by Paganini" for Two Pianos. This consists of a detailed analysis preceded by a brief introductory discussion of Witold Lutoslawski's life and musical background. The composer has followed Paganini's model faithfully as far as the basic thematic material is concerned. However, his addition of supporting harmonies, imitative and free countermelodies, and rhythmical accompaniments make this setting an original composition. This analysis focuses on harmony, dynamics, counterpoint, rhythm, form and general texture of the piece. The main issues to be discussed are Lutoslawski's manipulation of the original subject matter, his development and usage of the above mentioned techniques. In harmony, the usage of polytonality, quartal and whole-tone harmony, tritone and third relationships are discussed. Graphic analyses illustrate the way dynamics shape the entire piece. Although Paganini's theme was written for solo violin, Lutoslawski makes his version extremely contrapuntal by incorporating canon (both strict and inversion) between and within piano parts. Rhythmically, Lutoslawski follows the original version, but introduces some syncopations and off beat accents. Tempo, dynamic markings, texture and density make the piece seem to fall into three parts. The second part of this dissertation is an original composition,"Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra." This three movement work is approximately twenty-five minutes in length. The tempos of the movements are fast-slow-fast. The entire piece includes quotations of Taiwanese folk tunes. The first movement's tempo scheme is a palindrome: (A) $\sb\bullet\!\!\sp\vert$=69, (B) $\sb\bullet\!\!\sp\vert$=144, (C) $\sb\bullet\!\!\sp\vert$=100, (D) $\sb\bullet\!\!\sp\vert$=69, (C$\prime$) $\sb\bullet\!\!\sp\vert$=100, (B$\prime$) $\sb\bullet\!\!\sp\vert$=144, and (A$\prime$) $\sb\bullet\!\!\sp\vert$=69. It has also elements of a Sonata form regarding thematic materials. A is the introduction, B includes two contrasting themes, C and D are developmental, and B$\prime$-A$\prime$ is the recapitulation. The second movement is through composed. It employs quotations in a free manner. Movement three is a set of variations using a folk tune as the theme. In addition to the two solo pianos, the orchestral instrumentation includes the following: winds (2222), brass (2221), one timpanist, two percussionists, and strings (minimum 88642).

ISBN

9780591204100

Pages

165

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.6302

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