Fine and Performing Arts, Hixson-Lied College of
Date of this Version
Summer 8-28-2019
Abstract
This document aims to explore the stylistic evolution and development of musical language by comparing water-themed piano works selected from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century. The study first examines how water-related pieces were developed through the nineteenth to the twentieth century demonstrating the growth of compositional language on this particular theme. At the turn of the twenty-first century, the document focuses on the similarities and differences between Asian and European water pieces by Karen Tanaka and Andrea Granitzio. The goal of the study is to discuss how the previous generations influenced later composers’ works and how the current generation has developed new styles through constant evolution of traditional musical language.
There are many water-related pieces by Asian composers written during the twentieth century. The water theme was attractive to them even though their philosophies are different from Western composers. The outcome of this comparison shows that the characteristics of Western culture and music were gradually absorbed into Eastern culture through easier and frequent cultural communication.
Adviser: Paul Barnes
Comments
A Doctoral Document Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Doctor of Musical Arts, Major: Music, Under the Supervision of Professor Paul Barnes. Lincoln, Nebraska: August, 2019
Copyright 2019 Chubing Wang