PANDEMICS IN PARALLEL: VIOLIN MUSIC DURING THE SPANISH INFLUENZA (WORLD WAR I) AND COVID 19

Abstract

My dissertation incorporates in-depth research of composers (and their relevant compositions) living through parallel pandemics and political crises. These periods of time include: COVID-19 and international conflict, as well as The Spanish Flu and World War I. The pieces for violin alone were all created in 2020 as part of the Alone Together Project, launched by Jennifer Koh in response to COVID-19 and the financial hardship it placed on so many in the arts community. There are sixteen current composers which will be noted in the following pages. Composers and their works from the past include, Claude Debussy (Violin Sonata in G minor), Leos Janáček (Violin Sonata), Vaughan Williams (The Lark Ascending), and Igor Stravinsky (L’Histoire du Soldat score for clarinet, violin, and piano). My dissertation delves into each composer’s experiences, gaining awareness of how they cope with these difficult times, what inspires their compositions, and their productivity during these uncertain times. Three video recitals are included in my dissertation representing Program 1, Program 2 and Program 3 as described in detail in the written supporting materials.