Date of Award
Spring 8-1-1996
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Music
Abstract
The study presents a brief historical background of the Italian violinist Nicolo Paganini (1782-1840) and an analysis of five caprices from Twenty-Four Caprices for the Violin, Op. 1 with the intent of determining the harmonic language. Many music historians and theorists give little attention to Paganini as a composer, though his compositions encompass many genres. Historians, in particular, focus their attention on his life as a performing virtuoso. It is the contention of this study that Paganini composed the Twenty-Four Caprices for the Violin, Op. 1, for the virtuoso performer. The harmonic language of the caprices is an amalgamation of diatonic and chromatic processes, with chromaticism being incorporated through secondary function harmonies, and linear chromaticism linking functional harmonies. Creating further technical demands for the virtuoso performer is the incorporation of incessant rhythm.
Recommended Citation
Harrison, Philip T., "Composing for the Virtuoso: Harmony, Form, and Rhythm In Paganini's Twenty-four Caprices for the Violin, Op. 1" (1996). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3396.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3396