The Italian-American Piano Sonata: Works of Paul Creston, Norman Dello Joio, and Vincent Persichetti

Abstract

As a pianist, I have always though it a shame that so little of the standard piano repertoire is American. Having also lived in Italy and studied Italian music and culture, this project is the natural result of the pairing of these two interests. This project examines the first piano sonatas of three important Italian-American composers of the mid-twentieth century. Paul Creston, Norman Dello Joio, and Vincent Persichetti were each successful in creating a unique style, incorporating elements of Italian music and culture learned as children with Modern techniques and rhythms, all interpreted through the lens of American individualism. Through performance of these works and analysis presented in the form of program notes, I will shine a light on these forgotten American piano works, encouraging teachers, performers, and audiences alike to be more adventurous in their musical choices, and expand their knowledge of 20th Century piano repertoire.