An Overview of Almeida Prado's "Transtonal" System in his Cartas Celestes, First Six Volumes, for Piano Solo

This study attempts to demonstrate the singular synthesis of influences and compositional techniques represented by the work Cartas Celestes (Celestial Maps) for piano by José Antonio Rezende de Almeida Prado (born in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil, on February 8, 1943). Although Almeida Prado, clearly one of the more influential Brazilian composers, wrote a vast repertoire for all genres, his piano works are fundamental throughout his compositional career. This significant body of work allows one to track his evolution as a composer and to define the changing characteristics of his style within the different phases of his trajectory. This study will examine Cartas Celestes Volumes IVI, Almeida Prado's most important work for piano solo, with particular attention to Volume I. This document will also discuss "Transtonalism," the "System of Organized Resonances," and the Twenty-Four chords, all created by him. The examination of Cartas Celestes Volume I will focus on Almeida Prado's innovative compositional devices and techniques. In addition, this study will investigate the most important aspects of Almeida Prado's music, including timbre exploration and the use of the piano with emphasis on touch, attacks, pedaling, pianistic gestures, and technique.

Name thesis:degree_name

D.M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Music

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Arizona.

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Peixoto Ferraz, Maria Helena

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Gibson, Tannis

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Rosenblatt, Jay
• Decker, Pamela

• ALMEIDA PRADO
• CARTAS CELESTES
• Maria Helena Ferraz
• PIANO SOLO

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Language dc:language.iso

EN

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10150/194305

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/194305