Dinamiek in klaviermusiek van die agtiende en negentiende eeue

Dynamics is an aspect of musical expression which result from fluctuations in the loudness of the produced sound. These fluctuations fulfill a definite role in the interpretation of solo piano music. In this thesis the historical course of dynamic markings in piano music of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as reflected in literature, is examined. The nature of dynamics and the role of interpretation with reference to dynamics are explained. The relation between the evolution of the piano and compositional techniques with regard to dynamic expression is discussed. The possibilities of dynamic expression are illustrated through examples from piano works of selected composers. This study reflects that dynamics function prominently in the role of the performer to project and highlight essential elements of interpretation and expression. Refined interactions take place between dynamics and musical contingencies. The following musical factors are underlined by means of effective dynamic manipulation: emotional expression, representation of programmatic and characteristic elements, creation of atmosphere, contrast forming, shaping of formal elements, phrasing, defining of articulation and touch, textural differentiation, tone quality, tonal balance, harmonic coloration and realisation of stilistic elements. The application of dynamics is influenced by acoustic elements, personal characteristics of the pianist, the potential of the original instruments, certain compositional techniques, historical aspects of style, and the nature of specific compositions. This study accentuates the fact that dynamics is a relative, multi-dimentional and not completely prescribabie phenomenon in music. Due to this fact, the application of dynamics cannot be pinned down and individual interpretation is required to a great extent, whether dynamic markings appear in the music or not. In spite of this slippery nature of dynamics, its role in musical expression is of utmost importance.