A Study of Edvard Grieg’s “Piano Sonata in E Minor, Op.7”

• Main Authors: Chia-lun Kuo, 郭家綸
• Other Authors: Ching-Jen Wu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/36026501569945119142

碩士 === 國立臺南大學 === 音樂學系碩士班 === 98 === Edvard Grieg (1843~1907) was one of the most representative composers of the 19th century Norwegian nationalist music. He was fond of creating piano piece works, depicting his emotions and thoughts through terse composing style. The “Piano Sonata in E Minor, Op.7,” composed in 1865, is his only piano sonata. The piece is filled with youthful spirit and enthusiasm, and has become one of his most essential works. In this research, first the direction and scope of study is defined, followed by a literature review on the course of the development of sonata and the essence of Nationalism music in Grieg’s time. Second, the author investigates the origin of Grieg’s piano music by looking into his life stages and music learning. Moreover, the author discusses the structural aspects of the “Piano Sonata in E Minor, Op.7,” including harmony, melody, tempo, and motives. Finally, the author considers the aspects of octave, fingering, dynamics, expression, and pedaling along with opinions from experts and scholars, while investigating into applied research in the interpretation and performance of the piece, helping performers get a grip of the suggested interpretation of the piece. It is found that although the “Piano Sonata in E Minor, Op.7” is one of Grieg’s earlier works, it demonstrates his attempts to integrate Norwegian music elements and break through traditional techniques. For example, Grieg added Lydian and Dorian modes that emphasize Norwegian music style, specializing in continuously repeating the same melody, but expresses different styles with each repeat. By changing the tempo, range, harmony or tonality, diverse streams of melody are presented; even more essential, in regard to Grieg’s creation technique, is the development of his short motives. Moreover, Grieg often uses four elements such as chromatic, dominant, ostinato and perfect fifth, to generate distinctive effects of harmony. Ostinato and perfect fifth are specific features in the Halling and Springar of Norwegian dance music. In addition, long pedaling is the most distinctive pedaling feature of Grieg’s. By carrying out long pedaling, the lingering sound generates the beautiful vagueness emphasized by the Impressionists, presenting a dissonance effect. With the “Piano Sonata in E Minor, Op.7” Grieg expresses his passion and enthusiasm for his nation’s traditional music. The piece presents features of Norwegian folk music, which makes it a nice option for learners who learn Norwegian music. The “Piano Sonata in E Minor, Op.7,” which contains traditional Norwegian music features, is a recommended practice piece to learners.