An Analytical Study of the Variations on the Theme of Paganini's Twenty-Fourth Caprice, Op. 1 by Busoni, Friedman, and Muczynski

The purpose of this study is to analyze sets of variations on Paganini's theme by three twentieth-century composers: Ferruccio Busoni, Ignaz Friedman, and Robert Muczynski, in order to examine, identify, and trace different variation techniques and their applications. Chapter 1 presents the purpose and scope of this study. Chapter 2 provides background information on the musical form "theme and variations" and the theme of Paganini's Twenty-fourth Caprice, Op. 1. Chapter 2 also deals with the question of which elements have made this theme so popular. Chapters 3,4, and 5 examine each of the three sets of variations in detail using the following format: theme, structure of each variation, harmony and key, rhythm and meter, tempo and dynamics, motivic development, grouping of variations, and technical problems. Chapter 6 summarizes the findings from this study and attempts to compare those elements among the three variations. Special attention is given to the application of the motivic cells, which are drawn from the original Paganini theme, in the development of succeeding variations. This study shows how these motivic cells contribute to the construction of new motives and melodies in each variation. Additionally, this study attempts to examine each composer's efforts in expanding variation procedure to the areas of structures and tempo markings in succeeding variations.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2000

Author dc:creator

• Ahn, Kwang Sun

Contributors dc:contributor

• Banowetz, Joseph
• Cho, Gene
• Harlos, Steven, 1953-
• Wodnicki, Adam J.

• Busoni, Ferruccio, 1866-1924. Variations-Studien nach Paganini-Liszt.
• Friedman, Ignaz. Studien über eine Thema von Paganini.
• Muczynski, Robert, 1929- Desperate measures.
• musical variations
• variation procedure
• motivic cells
• Paganini caprice

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Ahn, Kwang Sun
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 47249023
untcat: b2302352
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2548/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc2548

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc2548