Piano Pieces by Henry Cowell
Gabrielle Smith (Music)
Performance techniques for four avant-garde piano pieces by Henry Cowell
Using a traditional approach or technique to perform nontraditional works may lead to a deviance in the way the pianist plays the music. This research hypothesis is to demonstrate how applying an understanding about Henry Cowells life and Irish heritage, while practicing and eventually in the performance, can lead to a more meaningful and accurate presentation of his works. Instructions of practice techniques are provided with each piece to help facilitate the desired effect. Henry Cowells works were chosen because they are relatively unknown to most music students, in addition to a personal interest in 20th-century music of this genre.