Leonard Bernstein's Piano Music: A Comparative Study of Selected Works

Author

Leann Osterkamp, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

5-2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

D.M.A.

Program

Music

Advisor

Jeffrey Taylor

Committee Members

Ursula Oppens

Philip Lambert

Michael Barrett

Subject Categories

American Studies | Music | Musicology | Music Performance | Other Music

Keywords

Orchestral, recycling, New York in the 1900s, American music

Abstract

Much of Leonard Bernstein’s piano music is incorporated in his orchestral and theatrical works. The comparison and understanding of how the piano works relate to the orchestral manifestations validates the independence of the piano works, provides new insights into Bernstein’s compositional process, and presents several significant issues of notation and interpretation that can influence the performance practice of both musical versions.

The chronological and historical significance of his piano music has been sometimes inaccurately recorded and/or generalized. In understanding the factual chronological, social, and political relationships behind the piano works and their orchestral manifestations, I argue that the piano works, both unpublished and published, are significantly influential to the development of American music and New York aesthetics in the twentieth century. This research also explores why several unpublished completed piano works held in the Library of Congress have been withheld.

Recommended Citation

Osterkamp, Leann, "Leonard Bernstein's Piano Music: A Comparative Study of Selected Works" (2018). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/2572