The Motivic Economy in Nikolai Medtner's Sonata Romantica

Author

Nellie S. Seng-Quinn, Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

D.M.A.

Program

Music

Advisor

Philip Ewell

Committee Members

Sylvia Kahan

Norman Carey

Thomas Sauer

Subject Categories

Composition | Music Performance | Music Theory

Keywords

Nikolai Medtner, Sonata Romantica

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the motivic aspect of Medtner’s Sonata Romantica Op. 53, No. 1. Medtner, in his book, The Muse and the Fashion, has stressed through numerous statements why the initial theme is of utmost importance to him and how the entire work should be derived from the theme. The goal is to trace the journey of Medtner’s themes through the course of the sonata. Using various methods of musical analysis, I will determine whether the theme is indeed the source of latter material found within the sonata.

Recommended Citation

Seng-Quinn, Nellie S., "The Motivic Economy in Nikolai Medtner's Sonata Romantica" (2016). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/789