Rachmaninoff who was born in Russia has creative approach inherited the Romantic compositional style. His works are full of melodic, emotion and tragedy, which is affected by social and political background in his age.

His works not only express inner feelings, but also describe the Russian landscape. In addition, he also increases the religious music and the influence of poet. His works are rich and diverse and tends to be regarded as having a distinctive Russian national identity and unique ideas.

Chapter one investigates Rachmaninoff’s motivation and purpose for making “Vespers” and “Six Moments Musicaux” This chapter also points out the scope of subject, analysis methods, and literature review.

Chapter two investigates Rachmaninoff's life and important piano works which is changed the characteristics by western music and social background. This chapter also investigates why Rachmaninoff add a large number of chant “Dies irae” the melody.

Chapter three describes the historical evolution of Russia's religious music, the reasons and process of believing the Orthodox Church, and process and evolution of Orthodox Church Music. This chapter also explores why Russia's doomsday thinking and the Messianic Consciousness is so strong.

Chapter four uses Rachmaninoff ‘s “Vespers” to show the use of religious material in the works, the melody line ups and downs, the range use, the contrast of continuous tone and swinging sound, a concert, use of harmonic, rhythmic motives to explore the creative approach of “Vespers”.

Chapter five uses “Six Moments Musicaux” to explore the use of religious material and analyze six works of structural features, characteristics of creative approach, and the relation with “Vespers”.

Chapter six integrates full text and review.

Yen-Jung Chen Piano Recital

Program

J.S. Bach Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in d minor BWV903

L.v. Beethoven Piano Sonata in A major No.28, Op.101

S. Rachmaninov Six Moment Musicaux Op.16

Y. Bowen Toccata for piano solo Op. 155