The Quintet for Piano and Strings, Op. 67 by Amy Beach: An Historical and Analytical Investigation

Abstract

This dissertation is divided into seven sections: (1) a discussion of the need for the study, a review of related literature, a biographical sketch of the life of Amy Beach, and a discussion of Amy Beach as a pedagogue; (2) the cultural atmosphere surrounding women composers in America at the time of this piece's conception, along with a brief history of music in New England and the Second New England School; (3) a brief outline of the Quintet's place in the history of piano quintets, a survey of the Quintet's connection to the Brahms Piano Quintet, and a discussion of Beach's revisions to the manuscript; (4) a formal outline and analysis of movement one; (5) a formal outline and analysis of movement two; (6) a formal outline and analysis of movement three; and, (7) a summary of research findings and recommendations for further research. The analysis chapters of this dissertation contain a detailed study of Beach's use of form, texture, harmony, melody and rhythm.