Fusion Of Classical And Jazz

The music of Nikolai Kapustin is a roller coaster ride of syncopation, hemiolas, glissandos and perpetual motion. Born in Russia at a time when the communist government forbade such creative foreign elements as improvisation and jazz, Kapustin brought to life an innovative style of music that melded classical and jazz elements into a unique, emotive sound that leaves the listener breathless.The focus of this study is Kapustin's Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 39. This study goes through a detailed analysis of the sonata as a whole as well as each individual movement. It also includes a brief biography of the composer, describing the restrictive environment in which Kapustin's creative genius flourished.There are many characteristics that distinguish Kapustin's music, primarily his incorporation of jazz into classical forms. Other elements unique to Kapustin are his use of hemiolas and syncopations, ambiguous harmonies and meters, depictions of jazz ensembles, as well as writing a majority of his music in perpetual motion. Some of the elements of this piece remind the listener of such compositions by Rachmaninoff, Gershwin and Chopin, and even the snare and bass drums of a rock band.The music of Nikolai Kapustin any features that make it unique and strikingly different from the music of previous composers. Being a Russiannist who was classically trained and who also played in jazz bands, Kapustin brings a distinct mixture of Russian, classical, and jazz characteristics to his music. Although several other composers, such as Ravel and Gershwin, have combined classical and jazz elements in their music, Kapustin has done it in a way that no composer has yet done. His Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 39 showcases this unique blend of Russian, classical and jazz music in a very virtuosic and captivating style.