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A study of the selected compositions by Karl-Wieland Kurz
Author
Yeong, Lan Ing
Supervisor
Tang, Kelly
Abstract
This dissertation introduces the compositions of the Darmstadt composer Karl-Wieland Kurz (1961-). He is a contemporary composer who incorporates various media to create his compositions. To date, he has written about forty compositions of different genres and for different instrumental combinations.
None of Kurz's manuscripts have been published so far. Due to the lack of accessibility and publicity in general, his music is relatively unknown outside of Europe. This dissertation makes a preliminary exploration of his music by focusing on some of his piano works. It will be shown that he is influenced by composers from different eras and nationalities: (1) The nineteenth century "New German School"; (2) composers and poets of the "Russian Silver Age"; (3) French composers, Debussy and Messiaen; and (4) American composers, Cage and Varse. His music also reflects the influence of folk music from the East, Tibet, Iran and Mongolia. He does not like to be associated with the contemporary German composers, especially those who make use of modern technology such as computers in their compositions.
Another distinctive feature this dissertation highlights is his use of extra-musical elements such as literature and visual arts. Very often, images, poems and prose are inserted in his music to set the mood for the performers. These elements play an important role in contributing to the programmatic nature of the compositions.
None of Kurz's manuscripts have been published so far. Due to the lack of accessibility and publicity in general, his music is relatively unknown outside of Europe. This dissertation makes a preliminary exploration of his music by focusing on some of his piano works. It will be shown that he is influenced by composers from different eras and nationalities: (1) The nineteenth century "New German School"; (2) composers and poets of the "Russian Silver Age"; (3) French composers, Debussy and Messiaen; and (4) American composers, Cage and Varse. His music also reflects the influence of folk music from the East, Tibet, Iran and Mongolia. He does not like to be associated with the contemporary German composers, especially those who make use of modern technology such as computers in their compositions.
Another distinctive feature this dissertation highlights is his use of extra-musical elements such as literature and visual arts. Very often, images, poems and prose are inserted in his music to set the mood for the performers. These elements play an important role in contributing to the programmatic nature of the compositions.
Date Issued
2002
Call Number
MT40 Yeo
Date Submitted
2002