The Analysis and Performance Interpretation of Rachmaninoff's Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42

• Main Authors: Lin, Wan-I, 林宛誼
• Other Authors: Chen, Chao-Yin
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2018
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/uc49s8

碩士 === 國立高雄師範大學 === 音樂學系 === 106 === Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff was a remarkable composer, pianist and conductor. He lived during the 19th century Romantic period and the 20th century. Rachmaninoff moved to American in 1918. During a vacation to Paris in 1931, he finished his last solo piano composition, Variations on a theme of Corelli, Op. 42. Rachmaninoff structured this work used the theme of La Folia’s melody and harmony. With this structure, he developed his composition to 23 sections, including a main theme, twenty variations, an intermezzo, and a coda. The variations combined elements from church music, Romantic and modern music. Because of the various compositional skills, Variations on a theme of Corelli, Op. 42, become the one of the most popular composition among his late work. The thesis summarized the life of Rachmaninoff, his music style, and the background of Variations on a theme of Corelli, Op. 42. It is then followed by an analysis of each variation and an exploration of musical characteristics. Lastly, the thesis attempts to enhance musician’s in-depth understanding of this master piece, so as to better interpret this work in performance that captures the inner thoughts of the composer’s mind.