Concerto and Recital Works by Bach, Haydn, Grieg, Guastavino, and Domine

In this paper, I analyzed and discussed the works that I performed on my Masters Degree solo recital and concerto concert. My recital and concerto performances consisted of works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Josef Haydn, Edward Grieg, Carlos Guastavino, and James Domine. The goal of this thesis is to provide an analysis of the form, harmonic structure, and history of these pieces. In selecting the solo recital program, I was aware of the balance of styles representing each of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth, and Twenty-First Century periods of music. The variety of these styles gives the pianist an opportunity to capture the full spectrum of techniques, articulations, and interpretive approaches on the piano. It also provides an historic flow, giving the audience a glimpse of the development of harmony, form, and increased capabilities of the keyboard as it developed over the years from harpsichord to pianoforte to the modern piano. Although I placed the Contemporary piece, Guastavino's Las Niñas at the end of the first half of the solo recital program, it has a Romantic harmonic flavor and was a good compliment to the Haydn Sonata. The Grieg, being almost a half hour in length, and having a glorious grand finale, provided an effective ending to the second half of the recital. The Domine Concerto, containing a compilation of traditional forms with styles ranging from Baroque to Classical to Romantic to Rock and Jazz, is a challenge requiring the pianist to wear many musical hats, demanding a wide range of versatility. Working closely with the composer was an honor and provided an opportunity to closely follow his wishes.