The piano music of Percy Grainger: An analysis of ten original works.

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to introduce readers to the wide range of Grainger's expression for the piano. The ten works introduced and analyzed demonstrate Grainger's penchant for transcribing ensemble pieces; most of them are versions of his own choral and chamber works. Included are Walking Tune (1905), Mock Morris (1910), Arrival Platform Humlet (1908), Gay but Wistful (1912), Pastoral (1915), "The Gum-sucker's " March (1914), Eastern Intermezzo (1922), To a Nordic Princess (1928), Harvest Hymn (1936), and The Immovable Do (1940). The analyses point up Grainger's compositional techniques, including use of counterpoint, variation, Rondo structure, folk-like melodies, and distinctive harmonies.

A short biography is coupled with a discussion of the musical influences on his pianism and the influences of his pianism on other musicians. Two appendices containing lists of the piano works and select recordings give pertinent information for obtaining a closer look at Grainger's relationship to the piano.

Percy Grainger (1882--1961) was a very popular pianist and composer at the turn of the twentieth century. He was born in Australia, studied in Germany, built his reputation as a concert artist in England, and settled in the United States. His most prominent works are for wind band, and he composed avidly for string and choral ensembles. His music is full of energy and passion, as he filled his scores with many expressive directions. Though many of his piano works were not published during his lifetime, he left a large number of manuscripts in libraries and personal holdings around the world. The Percy Grainger Museum on the campus of the University of Melbourne has worked diligently since his death to gather and coordinate the wealth of material he left; fortunately, scores and recordings of the piano works are now becoming available.