The purpose of this thesis is to do a in depth study of 《12 American Prelude》by Alberto Ginastera. Alberto Ginastera, one of the representative composers of South American in the 20th century, blends many skills in his works with Argentine folk music, western classic composition, and personal characteristics. The main type in his works include: sinfonia, piano piece, string quartet, and film music.
In his old age, Ginastera divided his creative works into three stages:
(1) Objective Nationalism (1937-1947)
(2) Subjective Nationalism (1947-1957)
(3) Neo-Expressionism (1958-1983)
《12 American Prelude》belongs to the work of first stage. He considered it to be an experimental work. In the work, he tried to written a new music style. Although it was named prelude, a title was given individually. Therefore, the most distinguishing feature of the works was that every prelude was no more than two minutes, and can comprise of different technique skill.
The study were divided into six chapters, discussing Ginastera's works. The first chapter was an introduction; Second chapter, the background was discussed, including of Ginastera's life, the development of Argentine music, and the changes in preludes. The third chapter, it focused on the stylist of music.《12 American Preludes》classified into four types: skills, discussing Creole music, discussing Inca pentatonic, contributing to the contemporary distinguished musician. Analyzing of the uniqueness of each prelude was also discussed. The fourth chapter, it’s focused on musical forms, tunes, and rhythm materials. The fifth chapter, the performance was interpreted and discussed. Accordingly, chapter 3 and 4 were regarded as the foundation, discussing the interpretation of the whole works. In the meanwhile, it was hoped that the study could provide some practical help to the performers.
Program：
J.S. Bach The Well Tempered Clavier II
Prelude & Fuge in a minor, BWV 889
L.V. Beethoven Piano Sonata No.12 in A flat Major, Op.26
F. Chopin Impromptus No.1 in A flat Major, Op.29
Impromptus No.2 in F sharp Major, Op.36
Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat Major, Op.61
A. Ginastera 12 American Preludes, Op.12