University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A PERFORMER’S GUIDE TO THE EFFECT OF TEMPERAMENTS IN SELECTED PIANO WORKS OF LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

Zhang, Tong

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130444

Description

Title
A PERFORMER’S GUIDE TO THE EFFECT OF TEMPERAMENTS IN SELECTED PIANO WORKS OF LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
Author(s)
Zhang, Tong
Issue Date
2025
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Ehlen, Timothy
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Ehlen, Timothy
Committee Member(s)
  • Tsitsaros, Christos
  • Wu, Chi-Chen
  • Carrillo, Carlos
Department of Study
School of Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Date of Ingest
2025-12-08T16:17:02-06:00
Keyword(s)
  • Beethoven piano sonatas
  • Well temperament
  • Historical tuning systems
  • Performance practice
  • Key characteristics
Language
eng
Abstract
This dissertation investigates ways that well temperaments can enhance and highlight Beethoven’s compositional language. After surveying the evolution of tuning systems, a comparative theoretical analysis of three well temperaments is conducted: Werckmeister III, Kirnberger III, and Young I. These are compared with each other and with equal temperament. The well temperaments are then applied to musical examples in Beethoven’s piano sonatas, with reflections on each temperament’s nuanced tonal and expressive differences, and suggestions of how the sound of each temperament may affect interpretation of the music, including timing, agogic emphasis, balance, dynamics, and other considerations. Specifically, this exploration suggests how well temperaments can enhance aspects of interpretation based on the variety of dissonance and so-called “color” of the keys, intervals and harmonies. This work serves as a preliminary performance guide that pertains to specific sonatas and temperaments, but it may also be helpful for players of Beethoven’s other works, regardless of the tuning that is used. By highlighting the distinctive characteristics of certain well-tempered tunings, this research helps narrow a gap between theoretical understandings and practical applications of well temperaments. It also aims to suggest how historical temperaments can affect and enhance the interpretation of Beethoven’s piano sonatas.
Type of Resource
text
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2025

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