The encore piece for piano from 1920-1990 : historical overview and programing patterns

• Main Author: Steward, Janet Gail
• Other Authors: Koriath, Kirby L.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Concerts > Program building.; Piano music.; Concert programs.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/181172; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/833670

The encore piece for piano is viewed both as an historical study and an investigation of current programing trends. Data from the New York Times, music reviews and questionnaires completed by distinguished American pianists provided information that was compiled and charted.A study of the years 1920 through 1990 showed a discernible move away from extended encore segments, with a shift toward a single encore offering. Spontaneous rushing of the stage by theaudience and demanded immediate re-hearings of works faded shortly after 1940.Questionnaires revealed present-day artists are most influenced by length and character of the work, as well as the ending program piece in selecting encores. Two additional influences are the desire for contrast in succeeding encores and spontaneity in encore choice. Questionnaire answers reaffirmed that fewer encores are given in the 1990's; also noted were the facts of encores becoming shorter, more substantial, and less virtuosic. An inclusion of lesser-known works from the twentieth century was indicated.Research indicates that selecting the appropriate encore is both an art and a science. The importance of the intuitive art of judging audience response and spontaneity of encore choice is matched only by the role of the analytical in studying past successful encore models and programing an effective encore sequence. A successful encore is determined as much by what precedes and follows its performance as by its own character. === School of Music