Historic jazz piano styles in live performance, 1900-1940 : an honors recital (HONRS 499)

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Authors
Wilson, Matthew A.
Advisor
Puzzullo, Frank J.
Issue Date
1992
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This recital is dedicated to the purpose of outlining the evolution of jazz piano styles prior to about 1940. The emphasis is on the piano as a solo instrument, a unique position occupied by the piano since it can play both melody and accompaniment to its melody. The program notes are designed not to give a detailed analysis of each selection, but instead to help guide the members of the audience in understanding the historical context, the general stylistic traits of the pieces, and perhaps the significance of particular key persons in the development of jazz piano styles.The selections themselves progress chronologically, and they are carefully chosen to provide an interesting and varied program. The most important factor, however, in considering which pieces to include is the accurate representation of the various styles. The pieces chosen are those that seem to embody the stylistic traits in the most easily perceived manner, because the purpose of the recital is to demonstrate these early jazz piano styles to the audience.All of the nieces performed are based on transcriptions of actual recordings.