Sergei Taneyev (1856-1915): An Analysis of His Piano Concerto in E-flat Major and Its Relationship to Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1

This lecture recital seeks to prove that Sergei Taneyev's only piano concerto is a valuable addition to the piano concerto repertoire for historical and theoretical examination. Taneyev's biographical background proves he was one of the major figures in Russian musical life during the late nineteenth century. For one who had such an important role in music history, it is an unfortunate that his music has not been popular. Through letters to contemporary composers and friends, Taneyev's master teacher Tchaikovsky revealed why his music and piano concerto were not as popular as they should have been. This lecture recital examines Taneyev's compositional style and illustrates his influence in the works of his famous student Sergei Rachmaninoff through examples from Taneyev's Piano Concerto in E-flat Major and Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Taneyev's Piano Concerto and Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 have both similarities and differences that resulted from the composers' close relationship. Letters between the teacher and student enlighten readers to the compositional process of the two piano concertos and demonstrates the value of Taneyev's Piano Concerto. A detailed theoretical analysis is included in this dissertation. The principal themes and motifs are presented with a detailed analysis of the structure of the concerto's first movement as the themes, motifs, and variations are woven into a unified piece of music. The second movement of the concerto is remarkable for its harmonic progressions. This research substantiates that Taneyev's Piano Concerto is valuable to the current piano repertoire and worthy of performances throughout the world. The concerto occupies an important role in music history and theory and is useful for piano students to study.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2007

Author dc:creator

• Liu, Louise Jiayin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Banowetz, Joseph
• Snider, Jeffrey
• Wodnicki, Adam J.

• Taneyev
• theoretical analysis
• piano concerto
• music
• Taneev, Sergeĭ Ivanovich, 1856-1915. Concerto, piano, orchestra, E♭ major.
• Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilich, 1840-1893. Concertos, piano, orchestra no. 1, op. 23, B♭ minor.

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Liu, Louise Jiayin
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 181156918
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc3648/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc3648

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc3648