The Theme and Variations as Used by Four Important Piano Composers in Four Periods of Music History

Author

James Patrick O'Brien, Central Washington University

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

1966

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Herbert A. Bird

Second Committee Member

Wayne S. Hertz

Third Committee Member

Thomas Dean Stinson

Abstract

The intent of this study was to give a brief background and history of the theme and variations in early periods of music history, as well as to analyze more specifically and compare in some depth the use of the form by four composers of later periods, in a keyboard work of each. Each of the following composers represents a different period of music history: (1) Handel, late Baroque; (2) Mozart, Classic; (3) Beethoven, early Romantic; and (4) Norman Dello Joio, Modern. Although the form under study has been used in many media of writing, the compositions in this analysis are limited to piano works.

Recommended Citation

O'Brien, James Patrick, "The Theme and Variations as Used by Four Important Piano Composers in Four Periods of Music History" (1966). All Master's Theses. 573.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/573

Comments

Tape recording to accompany this thesis is not available.

Language

English