University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A Performer's Perspective On Stephen Heller's 33 Variations On A Theme By Beethoven, Op. 130

Lim, So Young

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Description

Title
A Performer's Perspective On Stephen Heller's 33 Variations On A Theme By Beethoven, Op. 130
Author(s)
Lim, So Young
Issue Date
2015-03
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Alexander, Reid
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Alexander, Reid
Committee Member(s)
  • Heiles, William
  • Moersch, Charlotte Mattax
  • Tharp, Reynold
Department of Study
School of Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Keyword(s)
  • Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Stephen Heller
  • 33 variations
Language
eng
Abstract
Stephen Heller composed many works for piano including études, preludes, character pieces, sonatas, and themes and variations. He also transcribed many works for piano by other composers such as Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Beethoven. His short études and character pieces are frequently studied and played by music teachers and students; however, his large pieces are rarely studied or played. The purpose of this study is to engender interest in his larger piano solo works through an examination of his 33 Variations on a Theme by Beethoven, op. 130 (1871) and to provide an interpretive analysis for performing. This thesis consists of five chapters. The introductory chapter (Chapter 1) is comprised of the Introduction, Statement of the Problem, Literature Review, and Project Significance. Chapter 2 provides background information about Stephen Heller. Chapter 3 is a brief overview of other composers’ variations on a theme by Beethoven. Chapter 4, the main body of this thesis, focuses on examining each variation in op. 130 and when appropriate comparing the writing of Heller and Beethoven. The performer’s perspective discusses interpretative issues including articulation, pedaling, voicing and dynamics, rhythm and recognizing the ground bass. This chapter also shows the creative ways that Heller used Beethoven’s theme in the variation. Chapter 5 contains a summary and conclusion. Ultimately, this project is intended to increase interest in Heller’s op. 130 and situate the work as an important composition from the Romantic period.
Type of Resource
text
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Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Theses [Option 2] - Music PRIMARY