| The purpose of this study was to create a guide for practicing, performing, and preparing the first movement of Haydn's Piano Sonata in E-flat major, No. 62. The study brings together historical, analytical, performance practice and pedagogical aspects to provide a rounded approach for studying this work in preparation for performance. The study of the historical content provides a brief introduction to Haydn's life, and the major external factors that influenced the composition of Sonata No. 62. An analysis of the first movement combines traditional analysis based on thematic material, harmony, and motivic development with description of the musical "topics" used. A brief study of relevant eighteenth-century performance practice examines notational conventions and their application to modern instruments. The final section offers a variety of technical exercises specific to the movement under discussion. These exercises are designed to further strengthen specific aspects of the technique of a pianist who is at a sufficiently advanced level to tackle this work, and offer the tools to command a more stylistically compelling performance as suggested by the study of performance practice conventions. |
