A pedagogical analysis of selected chamber works for the flute by Carl Nielsen

No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Lunte, Sandra K.
Advisor
Austin, James R.
Issue Date
1993
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (D.A.)
Department
School of Music
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Carl Nielsen, considered by some to be Denmark's greatest composer, has had great influence on twentieth-century Danish music. Nielsen wrote several chamber works that include the flute, three of which were examined in this study. These pieces, "The Fog is Lifting" (for flute and piano or flute and harp), "The Children are Playing" (for flute alone) and "Faith and Hope are Playing" (for flute and viola) are part of the incidental music for the Helge Rode patriotic drama "The Mother." "Fantasy Pieces, op. 2," originally written for oboe and piano, was transcribed for flute and piano by James Galway, and is also discussed in this study.The purpose of this research was to conduct a detailed examination of these works with regard to pedagogical, performance and compositional concerns. Information was gathered through the examination of written materials about Nielsen, results of questionnaires sent to selected flute pedagogues, results of coaching sessions with three flutists and comparisons of three recordings. Questionnaires revealed that many pedagogues were not familiar with the pieces in question. Varying responses were provided to questions regarding the level of proficiency needed to study these pieces, appropriate situations in which to program the works, why the pieces are not often programmed and pedagogical concerns. Coaching sessions revealed potential pedagogical problems, while recordings provided information regarding differences in interpretation. Compositional traits of Nielsen are discussed, as are additional pedagogical suggestions for students with little experience.