IRISH CELTIC SPIRIT IN THE MODERN CONCERT HALL: A PERFORMANCE GUIDE TO ARNOLD BAX'S VIOLIN SONATA NO. 1 IN E-MAJOR
Choi, Ajin Stella
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/133236
Description
Title
IRISH CELTIC SPIRIT IN THE MODERN CONCERT HALL: A PERFORMANCE GUIDE TO ARNOLD BAX'S VIOLIN SONATA NO. 1 IN E-MAJOR
Author(s)
Choi, Ajin Stella
Issue Date
2026
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Bashford, Christina
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Lee, Nelson
Committee Member(s)
Freivogel, Megan
Haken, Rudolf
Department of Study
School of Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Date of Ingest
2026-05-12T13:48:19-05:00
Keyword(s)
Arnold Bax
Bax Violin Sonata No. 1
Irish Celtic Elements
Irish Jig
Sean-nos Style
Language
eng
Abstract
This thesis is a discussion of Arnold Bax's Violin Sonata No.1 in E-Major, presenting both analytic observations and performance suggestions. The research examines how the
composer’s strong connection to Ireland - most particularly, the Donegal region—affected his compositional style in this rarely performed sonata.
The research attempts to identify the precise Irish Celtic elements contained within the sonata: rhythmic influences of Irish Jig, melodic features of sean-nós singing style songs, and technical features of Irish fiddle-playing traditions.
Acknowledging Bax's place within early twentieth-century British musical currents, the research concentrates on how he integrated Irish Celtic elements into his compositional
language. The paper emphasizes how Bax established an individual compositional style with late Romantic harmonies and impressionistic textures being the base for incorporating a quasi-Irish musical flavor.
This paper also addresses technical challenges in performing this piece, offering violinists practical solutions to articulation, bowing, fingering, tone production, and the application of Irish traditional musical styles. The final goal of this performance guide is to enhance the appreciation of Bax Violin Sonata No. 1 and note the artistic qualities
that must be unveiled in performances more often.
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