A Study of Works by Morton Feldman, Richard
THREE TWENTIETH-CENTURY AMERICAN PIANO DUETS: A STUDY OF WORKS BY MORTON FELDMAN, RICHARD FELCIANO, AND GEORGE CRUMB by WOOYOUNG ELLIE CHOI (Under the Direction of David Schiller and Evgeny Rivkin) ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to provide pedagogical materials and interpretive suggestions for three piano duets by American composers: Morton Feldman’s Piano Four Hands, Richard Felciano’s Gravities, and George Crumb’s Celestial Mechanics (Makrokosmos IV). Chapter 1 provides an overview of the three selected compositions and a review of relevant literature. Chapters 2 through 4 provide specific performance guidance and pedagogical suggestions. Chapter 2 investigates the aleatoricism of Piano Four Hands, discussing various interpretations by several performers. Chapter 3 explores the pedagogical challenges found in Gravities, focusing on its rhythmic complexity. Chapter 4 examines Celestial Mechanics (Makrokosmos IV) within the broader context of Crumb’s use of extended techniques and unusual timbres, and his interest in theatricality. INDEX WORDS: Feldman, Felciano, Crumb, Piano, Piano duet, Piano Four Hands, Gravities, Celestial Mechanics, Aleatoricism, Extended technique, American music, Twentieth-century music THREE TWENTIETH-CENTURY AMERICAN PIANO DUETS: A STUDY OF WORKS BY MORTON FELDMAN, RICHARD FELCIANO, AND GEORGE CRUMB by WOOYOUNG ELLIE CHOI B.A., University of Georgia, 1998 M.M., University of Georgia, 2000 A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of The University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS ATHENS, GEORGIA 2011 © 2011 Wooyoung Ellie Choi All Rights Reserved THREE TWENTIETH-CENTURY AMERICAN PIANO DUETS: A STUDY OF WORKS BY MORTON FELDMAN, RICHARD FELCIANO, AND GEORGE CRUMB by WOOYOUNG ELLIE CHOI Major Professors: David M.
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