LISTENING TO REVOLUTION: A SURVEY OF CULTURAL AND MUSICAL REVOLUTIONS THROUGH THE STUDY OF SELECTED VIOLIN REPERTOIRE

Abstract

The written portion of this performance dissertation examines cultural and musical revolutions in relation to the study of selected violin repertoire. The document is divided into two chapters, each of which contain program notes highlighting a specific element relating to revolutions. Chapter one of the document will explore revolutionary composers who charted new compositional pathways by employing novel creative techniques in their writing. Chapter two will survey how cultural and social revolutions—both past and present—have affected the evolution of music throughout history by means of their direct impact on the arts. This document will consider how the selected repertoire reflects revolution and will ultimately provide a tangible way for artists and audience members to connect with repertoire across all genres, from Biber’s Passacaglia to Corigliano’s STOMP.