Howard Ferguson's Contributions to Piano Literature and Pedagogy

Abstract

Howard Ferguson's myriad contributions to piano literature and piano pedagogy are the focus of this document. Ferguson actively engaged in the twentieth-century British classical music scene and his influence has reached beyond his native United Kingdom. Ferguson's accomplishments during his industrious life are manifested in his work as a composer, musicologist, editor, teacher, pianist, and concert organizer. Specifically, his piano-related written output as a composer, musicologist, and editor are the focus of investigation for this document.

The purpose of this document is to explore, analyze, and compile Ferguson's written contributions for piano pedagogy and piano literature into a single source. Areas of consideration are the compositional and pedagogical features of Ferguson's two solo piano works, the exploration of the pedagogical value and significance of his piano-oriented musicological writings, and the investigation of the pertinent features of his piano editions including keyboard anthologies and single-composer collections. His numerous contributions to piano literature and piano pedagogy are assembled into one source so that others may benefit from the inspired musical resources he created.

Ferguson's significant piano contributions are central to the organization of this document. Relevant musical experiences of his past are included in a biographical sketch in chapter two. His solo piano compositions, the Piano Sonata Opus 8 and the Five Bagatelles Opus 9, are evaluated through musical hermeneutic analysis in chapter three. Ferguson's Oxford University Press books such as Keyboard Interpretation, Keyboard Duets, Preparatory Exercises in Score Reading, plus various anthologies including Style and Interpretation, Keyboard Anthology, ABRSM editions, and music edition reviews are also investigated in chapters four and five.

Conclusions of this document indicate that: (1) Ferguson's solo piano compositions are of a high quality and bolster twentieth-century piano repertoire, and (2) his written works are foundational to the field of piano pedagogy in the cultivation of keyboard curriculum, musicianship skills, and repertoire development. Overall, his life's work as a musician maintained a broad scope, established a pillar of excellence in musical enterprises including piano pedagogy and piano performance, and his contributions are worthy of exploration, respect, and further study.