Selected Piano Works by Klaus Pringsheim’s Students at the Tokyo University of the Arts: Analysis, Interpretation and Performance Techniques

Abstract

This research article discusses selected piano works by Thai and Japanese composers who studied with Klaus Pringsheim (1883-1972) at the Tokyo University of the Arts in Japan around 1931-37. Pringsheim established the conventional Romantic musical language among his students. A few students, including Prasidh Silapabanleng and Komei Abe, also furthered the idea of integrating vernacular musical language in their compositions. Silapabanleng incorporated Thai traditional melodies in many compositions. Abe also interlaced a koto playing technique in his Piano Sonatina No.3 in C minor which required specific musical knowledge and interpretation in order to convey the performance perfectly. This article focuses mainly on harmonic analysis, interpretation and performance techniques of selected piano works to widen one’s repertoire for examination and recital.