Independent Study Thesis

Shitong Zhan, The College of Wooster

Abstract

This paper presents a historical and academic background analysis of the five piano solo pieces performed in my senior recital. These five pieces represent different music styles and techniques that are employed and developed in the piano composition from different time periods throughout history. The composers of these five pieces also had a great contribution to the overall development of piano composition via their five different perspectives. This paper's purpose is to act as an accompanying support to my senior recital via providing the general historical and musical backgrounds of the pieces that are included in my program.