| The purpose of this study is to examine indigenous Argentine dance rhythms in the solo piano works of Alberto Ginastera. Ginastera was greatly influenced and inspired by the rich and varied music, particularly the indigenous dance music, of the pampean, gaucho, and criollo cultures of Argentina. Undoubtedly, this factor inspired the composer to integrate numerous dance rhythms and patterns into his music. He candidly admitted to this particular compositional practice in the music of his earliest compositional period. Works composed in subsequent periods contain less obvious and more elusive references to these traits. All in all, this inspection divulges the intrinsic dance rhythms that inspired the creation of the solo piano repertory in order to provide an enhanced performance perspective.;In this examination, Chapter II discloses the particular dances most commonly used in the repertoire. Dances covered include the malambo, gato, milonga, tango, zamba, pala-pala, and carnavalito. Subsequently, Chapter III surveys the solo piano works and specifies the preponderantly significant rhythmic traces that occur.;In summary, Ginastera integrated the indigenous dance rhythmic traits in his entire solo piano repertoire. Even the works of his latter musical periods contain trace elements of these patterns, albeit in more obscure manners. Furthermore, by knowing the particular dance from which a certain rhythmic pattern is derived, a performer can more accurately interpret the style of a passage. Hence, the audience is given a more informed and presumably more convincing performance. |
