Manuel M. Ponce: A study of his solo piano works and his relationship to Mexican musical nationalism.

Abstract

Chapter Four focuses on five piano solo compositions of Manuel M. Ponce including the Tema Mexicano Variado, the Sonata No. II, the Preludios Encadenados, the Quatre Pieces pour Piano (also called the Suite Bitonal), and the Cuatro Danzas Mexicanas. A stylistic analysis describes the works in terms of form, style, texture, harmonic language, rhythmic characteristics, melodic or rhythmic sources of a folkloric nature (nationalistic characteristics), pianistic and expressive devices, and other aspects of importance.

The final chapter summarizes Ponce's compositional techniques, stylistic characteristics and pianistic approach, and discusses performance considerations for pianists. In addition, his contribution to the music of the Twentieth Century will be summarized, especially his influence on the nationalist composers of Mexico.

Following the bibliography, Appendix A includes a chronological listing of the solo piano works of Manuel M. Ponce with publishers indicated. Appendix B follows with a discography of the solo piano works.

Chapter Three provides additional insight into the major elements of Ponce's style. It will cover Ponce's musical style periods: First Period--1891-1924 (Romantic Style); Second Period--1925-1932 (Second European Study-Modern Style); and Third Period--1933-1948 (Return to Mexico-Modern Style with an emphasis on Nationalism). This chapter will also address the stylistic trends in music that Ponce encountered in his studies in Europe and will discuss how his musical development was influenced and affected by these trends. This chapter includes an overview of Ponce's solo piano works, their stylistic characteristics, and how they fit into his periods of compositional development.

Chapter One is comprised of a brief summary on the development of Mexican music and musical nationalism, and emphasizes the composers of solo piano repertoire. This chapter stresses the historical events that shaped the musical environment inherited by Ponce. This chapter also includes a discussion of European influence on Mexican music and the effects of "folklore" on the art music of Mexico.

The document contains an Introduction and five chapters followed by a bibliography and two appendices. The Introduction contains brief background information on Manuel M. Ponce and his music, including the Purpose of the Study, Need for the Study, Limitations, Procedure, Related Literature, and an Outline of the Study.

Chapter Two contains a biography of Manuel M. Ponce. Topics such as early influences, teachers, places of study, academic activities and appointments, and significant information relating to his compositions are addressed.

The purpose of this document is to study selected solo piano works of Manuel M. Ponce in order to encourage interest, interpretive understanding, and performance of his compositions. This study also highlights Ponce's relationship to the development of Mexican musical nationalism as seen in his solo piano works.