EXTRA-MUSICAL ELEMENTS IN SELECTED PIANO WORKS, 1874-1917

Abstract

As a piano performer, I have experienced much pleasure in playing several Debussy preludes. During the performance, my imagination expanded in a pictorial way, creating special experiences. I felt as if I were on a canvas or portraying the imaginary scenes. I found myself attracted to piano pieces that reflect pictorial images or scenes, especially in works by Debussy, Ravel, Mussorgsky, and Rachmaninoff written during a certain period of time, 1874-1917. I also wanted to add this music to my repertoire, so I could perform it together as one category. It is interesting to me that musicians, writers and artists became very close and often influenced each other, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Although their professions were different, they were able to understand and motivate each other by sharing their arts and thoughts. This dissertation includes the recordings of selected piano works by these four composers, all inspired by extra-musical elements. These recordings are archived in the Mitchelle Smith Performing Arts Library of the University of Maryland at College Park.