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LSU Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School

2014

Poised between two worlds : Nikolai Kapustin's

Piano Sonata No. 1 and the classical and jazz
tradition
Kit Loong Yee
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College

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POISED BETWEEN TWO WORLDS: NIKOLAI KAPUSTIN'S
PIANO SONATA NO. 1
AND THE CLASSICAL AND JAZZ TRADITION

A Dissertation

Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the

Louisiana State University and
Agricultural and Mechanical College
in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Musical Arts

in

The School of Music

by
Kit Loong Yee
B.M. University of Malaya, 2008
M.M. Missouri State University, 2010
May 2014
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank the members of my committee for their help,

encouragement, and support throughout the entire process of my degree program at LSU.

Thank you Professor James Wilcox for agreeing to be on my committee and investing

time and effort into editing my dissertation to make it a stronger piece. Thank you

Professor Michael Gurt for your helpful lessons and for your intriguing questions that

helped shape my dissertation. Professor Jan Grimes, thank you for your constant

patience and kindness, and for the countless lessons in which you taught me how to be a

better collaborative pianist and musician. A special thank you to my primary teacher,

Professor Gregory Sioles. Thank you for all you have done to shape me into the pianist I

am, for mentoring me throughout this degree, and for all of the effort you put into editing

this dissertation.

I would also like to thank my parents for their continuous love and support, and

for their sacrifices made in order for me to pursue my degree in music. I will be forever

grateful for all you have done for me.

Lastly, a very big thank you to my wife, Robin Bertucci Yee. Your love and

support has been the main driving force behind this entire degree. Thank you for helping

with my dissertation through countless long nights, for your understanding, and for

supporting and encouraging me in my music career. I could not have done it without

you.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................ii

LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................iv

LIST OF FIGURES ...............................................................................................................v

ABSTRACT...........................................................................................................................vii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................1

Biographical Information ...........................................................................................1

CHAPTER 2: PIANO SONATA NO. 1, OP. 39 “SONATA-FANTASIA” .........................7

Overview of the Sonata ..............................................................................................7
First Movement: I. Vivace .........................................................................................8
Second Movement: II. Largo .....................................................................................21
Third Movement: III. Vivace .....................................................................................27
Fourth Movement: IV. Allegro molto........................................................................37

CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSION ..............................................................................................51

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................53

VITA ......................................................................................................................................56

ii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1. Structure of the first movement ................................................................9

Table 2.2. Structure of the second movement............................................................21

Table 2.3. Structure of the third movement ...............................................................28

Table 2.4. Structure of the fourth movement ............................................................38

iii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1. First movement, mm. 1-2 ........................................................................10

Figure 2.2. First movement, mm.27-29 .....................................................................12

Figure 2.3. Rachmaninoff: Etudes in E-flat minor, Op. 33, No. 6, m. 18..................13

Figure 2.4. First movement, mm. 30-33 ....................................................................13

Figure 2.5. First movement, mm. 43-48 ....................................................................15

Figure 2.6. First movement, mm. 57-61 ....................................................................16

Figure 2.7. First movement, mm. 72-76 ....................................................................16

Figure 2.8. First movement, mm. 77-81 ...................................................................17

Figure 2.9. First movement, mm. 93-98 ....................................................................18

Figure 2.10. First movement, mm. 113-118 ..............................................................19

Figure 2.11. First movement, mm. 124-128 ..............................................................20

Figure 2.12. Gershwin’s second prelude from 3 Preludes for piano ........................22

Figure 2.13. Second movement, mm. 1-6 ..................................................................23

Figure 2.14. Second movement, mm. 21-28 ..............................................................24

Figure 2.15. Second movement, mm. 34-37 ..............................................................25

Figure 2.16. Second movement, mm. 46-51 ..............................................................26

Figure 2.17. Second movement, mm. 1-4 ..................................................................30

Figure 2.18. Second movement, mm. 29-32 ..............................................................30

Figure 2.19. Second movement, mm. 64-69 ..............................................................31

Figure 2.20. Second movement, mm. 77-82 ..............................................................32

Figure 2.21. Second movement, mm. 89-96 ..............................................................33

iv
Figure 2.22. Second movement, mm. 132-147 ..........................................................34

Figure 2.23. Second movement, mm. 151-153 ..........................................................36

Figure 2.24. Second movement, mm. 157-162 ..........................................................36

Figure 2.25. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 2 .....................................................39

Figure 2.26. Chopin’s Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35, IV. Finale .................................49

Figure 2.27. Fourth movement, mm. 1-4 ...................................................................40

Figure 2.28. Fourth movement, mm. 12-14 ...............................................................40

Figure 2.29. Fourth movement, mm. 19-21 ...............................................................41

Figure 2.30. Fourth movement, mm. 26-29 ...............................................................42

Figure 2.31. Fourth movement, mm 32-33 ...............................................................42

Figure 2.32. Fourth movement, mm. 60-67 ...............................................................44

Figure 2.33. Fourth movement, mm. 60-67 ...............................................................45

Figure 2.34. Fourth movement, mm. 104-105 ...........................................................46

Figure 2.35. Fourth movement, mm.119-127 ............................................................46

Figure 2.36. Fourth movement, mm. 134-139 ...........................................................47

Figure 2.37. Fourth movement, mm.188-197 ............................................................48

Figure 2.38. Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Op. 31. No. 1, 1st movement .......................49

v
 ABSTRACT

The music of Nikolai Kapustin is a roller coaster ride of syncopation, hemiolas,

glissandos and perpetual motion. Born in Russia at a time when the communist

government forbade such creative foreign elements as improvisation and jazz, Kapustin

brought to life an innovative style of music that melded classical and jazz elements into a

unique, emotive sound that leaves the listener breathless.

The focus of this study is Kapustin’s Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 39. This study goes

through a detailed analysis of the sonata as a whole as well as each individual movement.

It also includes a brief biography of the composer, describing the restrictive environment

in which Kapustin’s creative genius flourished.

There are many characteristics that distinguish Kapustin’s music, primarily his

incorporation of jazz into classical forms. Other elements unique to Kapustin are his use

of hemiolas and syncopations, ambiguous harmonies and meters, depictions of jazz

ensembles, as well as writing a majority of his music in perpetual motion. Some of the

elements of this piece remind the listener of such compositions by Rachmaninoff,

Gershwin and Chopin, and even the snare and bass drums of a rock band. I will discuss

how each of these characteristics can be seen in each movement.

I hope this paper will encourage a new generation of musicians and music lovers

to explore the kaleidoscopic sounds of Kapustin.

 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The music of Nikolai Kapustin has many features that make it unique and

strikingly different from the music of previous composers. Being a Russian pianist who

was classically trained and who also played in jazz bands, Kapustin brings a distinct

mixture of Russian, classical, and jazz characteristics to his music. Although several

other composers, such as Ravel and Gershwin, have combined classical and jazz elements

in their music, Kapustin has done it in a way that no composer has yet done. His Piano

Sonata No. 1, Op. 39 showcases this unique blend of Russian, classical and jazz music in

a very virtuosic and captivating style.

Biographical Information

To understand a composer’s music, it is helpful first to investigate specific

influences of certain people and events on his or her life. There are many different

factors that shaped the way Nikolai Kapustin composed music. Knowing these main

influences will give insight into his music and help the reader understand the unique

blend of classical, jazz, and Russian elements that make up Kapustin’s music.

Nikolai Kapustin was born in 1937 in Gorlovka, Ukraine to parents who were not

musicians, but who wanted their children to study music. When Kapustin was five years

old, his older sister began studying the violin, so Kapustin was enrolled in violin lessons

as well. He had wanted to study piano, but because of his sister, he started with the

violin instead. Their violin teacher, Ivanovich Vinnichenko, heard seven-year-old

Kapustin playing Clementi’s Op. 36 and realized his interest in piano was greater than the

1
average child’s. Vinnichenko brought Kapustin to study piano with Lubov Frantsuzova

who taught at the preparatory school for the Moscow Conservatory.

At this time in Ukraine, Joseph Stalin was the Soviet leader and had banned jazz

from public places. He imposed strict boundaries on musical content and originality.

Before Stalin, jazz had been tolerated and many jazz bands had formed in Russia.

However, in the cultural sphere, Stalin had a fear of anything that was not strictly Russian

and put an end to jazz at the time, disbanding all public jazz ensembles and forbidding

jazz to be played 1. When Kapustin began music lessons, classical music and Russian

music were the only genres allowed in the Soviet Union and were therefore the only

music to which he was exposed.

When Kapustin was about eleven years old, he began composing his own music

on the piano. However, he did not ever receive formal compositional training, only piano

lessons. He started experimenting with his first piano sonata when he was 13; however,

it was not something he considered seriously at that time. His work before the discovery

of jazz was in a purely academic style, nothing contemporary. He wrote more as an

exercise. His piano teacher, Frantsuzova, focused mainly on musicality in playing and

neglected technical training. Kapustin developed a great appreciation for the classics, as

Frantsuzova had Kapustin play many Beethoven and Mozart sonatas, pieces from Bach’s

Well-Tempered Clavier, and Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C# minor. In 1952 Kapustin

auditioned for and was accepted into preparatory school of the Moscow Conservatory.

At the Conservatory, his teacher was Avrelian Rubakh. Rubakh was a student of

Felix Blumenfeld who had also taught the famous pianist, Vladimir Horowitz. Another

1Jonathan Mann, “Red, White, and Blue Notes: The Symbiotic Music of Nikolai Kapustin,” (D.M.A. diss.,
University of Cincinnati, 2007), 25.

2
one of Blumenfeld’s students was Alexander Tsfasman, the first Russian jazz pianist.

Kapustin had a strong connection with Rubakh and liked that he taught technique as well

as musicianship. Under his tutelage, Kapustin’s facility at the piano grew immensely and

he worked on progressively more difficult pieces as his technique improved. While

taking lessons with Rubakh, he continued to compose his own music. Kapustin was

exposed to jazz music for the first time while attending the conservatory preparatory

school. By this time, Stalin had died and jazz was once again allowed to be performed.

Kapustin heard jazz being played on “The Voice of America” program on the radio. By

hearing jazz at this impressionable stage of his life, Kapustin became so interested in it

that he wanted to try to incorporate jazz into his own music.

After completing the preparatory program, Kapustin entered the Moscow

Conservatory at age 18. He then began to study piano with Alexander Goldenweiser.

However, Kapustin did not think much of Goldenweiser’s teaching. Goldenweiser was

81 years old, and although he had a strong connection to the Russian School, and had

known Rachmaninoff personally, offered little help to Kapustin during their lessons 2.

Kapustin began to combine classical and jazz elements in his own music career.

In 1956, he began playing piano in a jazz big band orchestra. He also began writing

music that incorporated jazz. Kapustin made his debut as a soloist with his Piano

Concerto Op. 1 at the Sixth International Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow in

1957. This piece is a concerto written for piano and jazz orchestra. At this time, Kapustin

began improvising more and eventually started a jazz quintet with several of his friends

from the jazz orchestra. They played in different venues around Moscow and eventually

were broadcast on “Voice of America,” the radio program that had initially introduced

2
Martin Anderson, "Nikolai Kapustin, Russian Composer of Classical Jazz," Fanfare Sep-Oct 2000: 96.

3
Kapustin to jazz while he was in preparatory school. Kapustin then composed music at

the piano for his jazz ensemble to perform, but found that he preferred the way the

arrangements sounded on piano to the way they sounded when the jazz band performed

them.

Kapustin’s student years drew to a close upon his graduation from the Moscow

Conservatory in 1961. When he had begun his study at the Moscow Conservatory years

earlier, Kapustin had aspired to become a virtuoso classical pianist. However, around the

age of 21, he realized he enjoyed jazz music and composing more than he enjoyed

performing 3. Instead of touring as a solo virtuoso pianist, he spent the next 11 years

touring the Soviet Union with Oleg Lundstrom’s Jazz Orchestra. During this time, he

wrote many works for jazz orchestra and for solo piano. After touring with Oleg

Lundstrom’s orchestra, he continued to serve as a pianist and arranger for the Television

and Radio Light Orchestra of Vadim Lyudvikovsky (1972–1977), and later for The State

Cinematography Symphony Orchestra (1977–1984).

In 1980, Kapustin premiered his Piano Concerto No. 2 in Tchaikovsky Hall in

Moscow. However, this was to be his last major solo performance. He decided to stop

performing in public and focus solely on writing music. The first piece Kapustin

published was his Toccatina, Op. 36. In addition to having several other pieces

published, Kapustin also worked on recording solo piano albums.

From the beginning, Kapustin’s compositions have always focused on the

synthesis of jazz and classical elements. According to Jonathan Roberts in his

dissertation, Classical Jazz: The Life and Musical Innovations of Nikolai Kapustin, “The

3 Anderson, 94.

4
guiding force throughout Kapustin’s life has been his obsession (he [Kapustin] has

referred to it as his ‘idèe fixe’) with classical-jazz amalgamation.” Kapustin was not

interested in being a jazz pianist because ultimately he did not like improvisation. What

he preferred was writing music that sounded improvisatory. Because his music was

written out and was not improvised, it was allowed in the Soviet Union during a time

when true jazz was not.

Kapustin had remained relatively unknown to the western world until his music

was recorded. Nikolai Petrov recorded Kapustin’s Piano Sonata No. 2 and the Intermezzo

from Eight Concert Etudes, Op. 40 (Olympia OCD 273 and MKM 157) in 1992. Two

subsequent recordings released by the renowned Hyperion Records have done much to

make his music more well-known to the general public. The first recording was released

in May 2000 and was recorded by pianist Steven Osbourne. The second recording was

released in June 2004 and was recorded by pianist Marc-Andre Hamelin. These

recordings contain his etudes, preludes, sonatas, variations, bagatelles, and a suite.

Kapustin’s music is sometimes considered “third-stream” 4 music, as it is a

mixture of both classical and jazz elements. However, Roberts argues that Kapustin’s

music is not third-stream because what he has created is truly a genre of its own. Third-

stream or “crossover” music is music that begins in one genre (usually classical) and

crosses over into a different genre (usually jazz). Roberts says that Kapustin is equally

rooted in both jazz and classical music, and therefore his compositions combine classical

4 “Third Stream” is a term coined in 1957 by composer Gunther Schuller to describe a musical genre that is
a synthesis of classical music and jazz.

5
and jazz in a unique way. Kapustin “utilizes the structure of classical music and the style

of jazz, all while maintaining a distinct Russian quality.” 5

Following is an analysis of Kapustin’s Sonata No. 1, in which we will explore the

classical, jazz, and Russian elements that make Kapustin’s music so singular.

5Jonathan Roberts, “Classical Jazz: The Life and Musical Innovations of Nikolai Kapustin,” (D.M.A. diss.,
University of Alabama, 2013), 2.

6
 CHAPTER 2: PIANO SONATA NO. 1, OP. 39
“SONATA-FANTASIA”

Overview of the Sonata

There are several aspects that are unique to Kapustin’s compositional style.

Kapustin’s music in general is characterized by constant, almost perpetual motion, and

his Piano Sonata No. 1, op. 39 is no exception. Although there are places where the

rhythm relaxes slightly, especially in the slow movement, most of the piece is written in

unrelenting running notes. Another stylistic element is how Kapustin treats harmony; the

entire piece is composed of jazz harmonies. Other composers who incorporate jazz

would perhaps bring some jazz harmony into a piece that would otherwise be written

using traditional classical harmony. However, Kapustin uses jazz harmony throughout,

but in the context of classical forms. All of this can be seen throughout the piece as a

whole and most vividly in the last movement.

In addition to this, Kapustin likes to use ambiguous harmonies. There are also

many instances in the sonata where the listener is uncertain of the harmony. Three of the

four movements begin with an unclear key. This is because there is a lack of tonic chord

until the entrance of the main theme, which does not appear until the introduction

concludes. Ambiguous harmony builds suspense and Kapustin certainly takes advantage

of this throughout the sonata.

This sonata is composed of four movements: a fantasy-like first movement, a

lyrical slow second movement, a scherzo-like third movement, and a sonata form finale.

Throughout the sonata, Kapustin uses unresolved harmonies from one section to the other

and extends this practice even between movements. All of the movements, except the

7
third to fourth movement, end on a note or harmony that resolves into the first measure of

the following movement. Each movement begins on a note that is just a half step away

from the last note of the previous movement, which makes the sonata feel even more

connected from movement to movement. He also likes to use syncopations, hemiolas,

and harmony changes on weak beats to hide the meter and down beats of the movement.

There are many places where one can see Kapustin’s classical influences in the

treatment of themes, instances of similarities to well-known classical composers’ music,

and other classical compositional techniques. There is also a distinct Russian quality to

his music. This can be seen in the general starkness of some passages, as well as in

specific compositional techniques. According to Roberts, “Kapustin’s linear writing… is

a particularly distinctive Russian feature. [He] also makes use of ostinato figures and

neighbor-tone melodic decorations which… are techniques associated with the Russian

school.” 6 Kapustin is somehow able to incorporate all of these classical and Russian

elements into his piece composed entirely of jazz harmonies. The way he is able to

accomplish this is unique to Kapustin and the focus of this paper.

First Movement: I. Vivace

Kapustin titles this piece a Sonata-Fantasy. In the first movement, there are

aspects of sonata form, but it can also be viewed as a ternary form, or even as a loose

arch form. Adding additional layers to these facets, this movement has many fantasy

characteristics: it is built around one main theme instead of multiple themes, it has an

improvisatory character, and is in a virtuosic style. According to Mami Hayashida in

6 Roberts, 6.

8
From Sonata and Fantasy to Sonata-Fantasy: Charting a Musical Evolution, “Unlike the

sonata, the fantasy is an ‘elusive genre,’ often described as formless and boundary-less.” 7

Although not completely formless, this movement does not follow a fixed form and

therefore can be viewed as a fantasy.

The structure of the first movement can be seen in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1. Structure of the first movement

1-26 27-42 43-58 59-78 79-94 95-112 113-121 122-128

Introduction Theme Theme Development Theme Theme Closing Coda

Although the musical notation is rhythmically very specific, the listener does not

sense the down beats in the music. There are very few real down beats at the beginning

of a measure, it is this practice that makes it difficult to pick out the time signature. The

same can be said for harmonies throughout the movement. Very specific harmonies are

implied, but there are many other non-chord tones that make it hard to hear the exact

harmony happening in the moment. Because the movement has so many running figures,

there are many passing tones that do not belong within the harmony. However, Kapustin

writes this music in such a way that the ear can identify the structural notes through all of

the filigree around them.

The pace of this movement takes on the character of someone who is asleep and

dreaming, then begins to awaken, becomes more animated and finally is very excited.

The introduction section feels unmetered because it lacks down beats and the harmony

7 Mami Hayashida, “From Sonata and Fantasy to Sonata-Fantasy: Charting of Musical Evolution,” (D.M.A
diss., University of Kentucky, 2007), 32.

9
changes are placed on weak beats: these are key components of some of Kapustin’s

distinguishing characteristics. The introduction has a rollercoaster-like character: the

lines trace curves up and down, from high to low registers of the piano, with multi-note

gestures being passed between the hands. The chords underneath the main line are written

in shapes in which the notes are initially placed very close together then gradually grow

farther apart (Figure 2.1). This supports the overall crescendo and drive of the line, a sort

of graphic crescendo written out in the chord shapes.

Figure 2.1. First movement, mm. 1-2

This movement has a very free-flowing, loose feel that gives an almost measure-

less sense to the listener. Yet the music is continuous, with no rests longer than an eighth

rest. Although there are not any pedal markings in this movement, there are “let ring”

markings throughout (Figure 2.1), especially in the introduction, indicating the sound

should be sustained. Pedal may be used at the discretion of the performer.

Kapustin also uses many quartal chords, which create non-functional harmonies

throughout the piece. In the jazz piece called “So What,” jazz composers Miles Davis

and Bill Evans use a chord with three perfect fourths and a major third. This quartal

10
chord appears in the very beginning of Kapustin’s sonata (Figure 2.1), perhaps as a

reference to the jazz composers who influenced him so greatly.

The introduction builds to a slight climax at m. 17, which has several interesting

features. The texture of the music changes and the left hand has four-note chords that

change chromatically. He also hints at a classical technique in mm. 17-21: the left hand

has a passage of running notes while the right hand has chords with a hint of the theme in

the top note. Often in a typical jazz piece, the left hand would be playing the chords

while the right hand has running notes of melody or improvisation. However, Kapustin

inverts it in these measures and gives this passage a more classical character, although he

still uses extended jazz harmonies.

The main theme of this movement is composed of four phrases of three measures,

four measures, four measures, and three measures respectively. Since the theme remains

the same, the structure of the theme remains consistent throughout the movement because

the theme remains the same. Although Kapustin changes the setting of the theme each

time, the structure is always 3-4-4-3.

The first phrase of the theme begins in m. 27. The melody is in the middle voice

and passes between the inner fingers of both right and left hand. The top outer voice has

very light, filigree notes in triplets surrounding the melody and the lower outer voice has

the supporting harmony (Figure 2.2). The introduction of the theme is still very free-

flowing, always moving and pushing forward, but not discernibly rhythmic due to the

lack of strong down beats.

11
 Figure 2.2 First movement, mm.27-29

The first phrase ends with a D major harmony in m. 29 (Figure 2.2). D major, the

tonic key of the movement, would usually be a more omni-present, especially in the

opening of a work in order to establish the key of the piece. Kapustin, however, is able to

keep the key and main harmonies of the movement ambiguous up to this point.

Kapustin may have had Rachmaninoff in mind when he composed the first phrase

of the theme; it is very similar to Rachmaninoff’s Piano Etude Op. 33 No. 6 in E-flat

minor (Figure 2.3). Although he is not quoting Rachmaninoff here, the compositional

styles of these pieces are very similar, another instance of Kapustin co-opting

classical/Russian influences into jazz harmonies.

In the second phrase, the melody is accompanied by an unusual harmony.

Kapustin uses a diatonic descending chord pattern of v7— iv7— III7—ii7— V7— I7,

finally ending on the long awaited D major (Figure 2.4). This is certainly different from

12
a traditional classical chord progression, which would almost never descend in numerical

order like this.

Figure 2.3. Rachmaninoff: Etudes in E-flat minor, Op. 33, No. 6, m. 18

Figure 2.4. First movement, mm. 30-33

13
 The third phrase of the theme goes through a series of modulations, using ii-V-I

progressions to briefly establish each key before quickly moving on to the next. Each of

these modulations takes place in 1-2 measures. The ii-V-I progression is perhaps the most

common progression used in jazz harmony; it is of course widely used in classical music

as well. It can be viewed as a progression through the circle of fifths, because the ii

chord can be regarded as the V of the V chord, which is in turn a fifth away from the I

chord. Kapustin uses chromatic passing notes to link these ii-V-I progressions and

fluently modulate from one remote key to the next.

Another compositional technique that Kapustin employs often is repeating the

main theme but in a different context, or with a different accompaniment. The next

section of this movement contains the exact same theme in the same groups of phrases,

but the harmony is changed and this time the melody is an octave higher than it was

presented the first time (Figure 2.5). The theme is also broken into two voices, one high

soprano and a lower alto. They have a call and response type of exchange, each taking a

part of the theme and alternating between the voices.

Kapustin also varies the theme by accompanying it with sixteenth notes this time

around instead of triplets. This seems to bolster slightly the structure of the theme,

making it less free-flowing than the original occurrence. The rhythmic pulse here retains

the toccata-like quality and gives the general effect of a “perpetual motion” movement,

another key Kapustin characteristic. Kapustin also alters the theme by introducing a

hemiola figure, utterly taking the sense of the pulse away from the listener.

In m. 57, the motive from the introduction serves as a transition between this

section and the development (Figure 2.6). The time signature changes here into

14
compound time of 12/8. This section then starts to develop the first motive of the main

theme (Figure 2.6).

Figure 2.5. First movement, mm. 43-48

It begins in F# major and goes through a series of modulations from C major, to

G-flat major (enharmonic of F# major). Then it goes through a sequence-like passage,

each time intensifying by going to ever higher registers, until the climax is reached at m.

72. This is followed by another hemiola figure, writing groups of 3/8 and groups of 5/8 in

the 8/8 time (Figure 2.7).

15
Figure 2.6. First movement, mm. 57-61

Figure 2.7. First movement, mm. 72-76

16
 Although the pulse feel here is very strong, Kapustin keeps us off balance by

changing the groupings continuously. Interesting keys and modes are explored in this

section as well; m. 72-74 uses a B-flat Dorian scale in the top line and a chromatic bass

line is introduced in m. 74-76 to lead to the retransition of the recapitulation (Figure 2.7).

The retransition is a passage of running notes that are composed of the notes from

an E-flat-13 chord, the ♭II of the main key of D major. This ♭II chord clearly resolves to

a I chord in m. 79 (Figure 2.8). Kapustin also used the ♭II harmony at the end of the

introduction; however, that ♭II chord resolved to an implied D major harmony that began

the main theme. Kapustin does not imply a harmony at the end of the retransition; he

clearly states it.

Figure 2.8. First movement, mm. 77-81

17
 The theme returns after the retransition. This time, it is written in yet another

different texture that consists of a supporting bass line and chords that accompany the

main theme, now an octave higher than the previous occurrence (Figure 2.8). Because of

the chordal setting, the music feels more vertical and rhythmic. Kapustin writes accents

over the weak beats, making the rhythm more syncopated and animated.

In m. 95, the melody is yet another octave higher, adding to its building intensity,

and marked brillante (Figure 2.9). Kapustin now writes the notes using a wider range of

the keyboard, still keeping the same three-voice texture but utilizing the extreme highs

and lows of the piano. Not content to leave it at that, he also introduces an interesting

counter melody in the lower voices between phrases of the main theme.

Figure 2.9. First movement, mm. 93-98

18
 M. 113 begins the penultimate section that combines material from both the

introduction and the last phrase of the theme (Figure 2.10). Here Kapustin brings back

the fluid rhythms from the introduction to start winding down the piece from the chordal,

more rhythmically driving section that preceded it.

Figure 2.10. First movement, mm. 113-118

19
 This can also be seen as a sort of false coda. The last phrase of the theme

repeatedly interrupts the dying down effect that the material from the introduction

imparts to this section. It is as if the theme does not want to leave and yet the introduction

material keeps pushing it away. Finally the theme gives up and makes way for the

introduction material.

In m. 122 the true coda begins exactly the same way the work began. However,

he interrupts this introduction material after two measures with a quasi glissando, then

uses planing chords, a la Debussy, to present the theme one final time (Figure 2.11).

Interestingly, he also uses the main motive one last time to end the piece, here in a

sixteenth note figure that functions as grace notes to the final D chord (Figure 2.11). The

Figure 2.11. First movement, mm. 124-128

20
last note of the piece is a sustained D in the bass, which should sound like a conclusive

ending to the first movement. However, Kapustin writes attaca so the D that should

sound conclusive sounds instead as if it needs some sort of resolution. With one note, he

is able to both gratify the listener’s expectations and also delay gratification until the

second movement.

Second Movement: II. Largo

The second movement follows standard classical construction of sonatas and is

the slow, lyrical movement of the sonata. This movement is in a very clear cut ternary

form; the A sections are largo and have a searching character, while the B section is

much quicker and livelier in character. The structure can be seen in Table 2.2:

Table 2.2. Structure of the second movement

Introduction A section B section A section Coda

1-2 3-20 21-37 38-47 47-51

As previously mentioned, this movement is preceded by the lingering D sustained

over from the first movement, which resolves to the C#. This changes the function of D

from a stable tonic note to a ♭II resolving into the first note of the movement. This C# in

itself is unexpected as the first note of the movement. Since the key signature has two

sharps, usually indicating D major or B minor, C# is somewhat of a surprise.

A two-measure introduction begins the movement and the melody ascends in

fourths, developing a quartal sonority. This creates an even more ambiguous harmony

21
and also adds to the wandering, searching character of this section. Kapustin uses these

unsettling, unstable harmonies to create a gloomy atmosphere completely different from

the upbeat character of the first movement.

The beginning of this movement is actually very similar to the second prelude in

Gershwin’s Three Piano Preludes. Not only is the character related in both pieces, but

both have a chromatically moving middle voice which creates an ostinato. Interestingly,

this ostinato in Gershwin’s prelude contains three notes: E, E#, F#, E# (Figure 2.12). The

ostinato in Kapustin’s second movement of the sonata contains the same three notes,

except his are inverted: F#, F, E, E# (Figure 2.13). Perhaps this is a coincidence, or

perhaps Kapustin wanted to consciously incorporate something of Gershwin’s into his

music. Although the chromatic three-note ostinato does not continue much past the

introduction, Kapustin continues to use chromatic figures throughout the movement,

especially in the A sections. The chromatic notes give a suspension-resolution rise and

fall to the phrases while also sustaining the gloomy atmosphere.

Figure 2.12. Gershwin’s second prelude from 3 Preludes for piano

The motive of the theme is an ascending half step followed by an upward leap

that alternates among three intervals: a minor 7th, a major 7th, and an octave. These leaps

22
 Figure 2.13. Second movement, mm. 1-6

propel the melody lines forward and create the tension that resolves in the following

descending line as they progress to the cadence of each phrase (Figure 2.13). Because of

the chromatic nature of the motive and its rise and fall, it creates a static atmosphere, it is

as if the theme is going nowhere. This motive, set in many different keys, is heard

through the entire A sections.

Contrary to these A sections, the B section (Figure 2.14) is written in a faster

tempo with a piu mosso marking and it carries with it a new key signature with no sharps

or flats. This is unusual because a B section in a ternary form is most typically in the

dominant or relative minor of the key of the A section; A minor does not fulfill those

functions here for either D major or B minor.

23
 Figure 2.14. Second movement, mm. 21-28

The B section is constructed of two smaller subsections of eight measures and

nine measures, respectively. Each subsection can be divided into two smaller phrases.

Kapustin depicts the character of a jazz ensemble in the first phrase; the bass evokes the

rhythm of the drum, the sixteenth notes conjure up the brass (Figure 2.16). This phrase is

the most upbeat part of the movement. The second phrase is more akin to the A section,

24
more relaxed and free flowing. Even inside of a smaller section, Kapustin contrasts his

themes and moods.

This subsection of the two contrasting moods is then repeated, this time in a

different key. The first phrase remains unchanged from the first occurrence, aside from

the change of key. The second phrase this time acts as a retransition back to the A

section. In this last measure of the B section, Kapustin anticipates the return with just a

hint of the motive of the theme in the left hand (Figure 2.15). The section closes with a D

in m. 37, which then also serves as the ♭II of the C# at the start of the second A section at

m. 38. This identically mirrors the way the first A section began, with the D held over

from the first movement and at that point resolving to the C#.

Figure 2.15. Second movement, mm. 34-37

25
 The returning A section is identical to the first A section except towards the end.

Here Kapustin prepares the coda by repeating the ii-v-i harmony, finally ending on the i

in B minor at the start of the coda in m. 47.

Figure 2.16. Second movement, mm. 46-51

26
 A traditional coda solidifies the ending key by repeating the V-I harmony.

Kapustin, however, does not compose with the expected traditional classical harmony.

He instead writes a repeating I-iv harmony in the bass and finally ends on the iv. The

melody in the final measure contains the notes of an E quartal chord: E, A, D, F#,

creating a coloristic haze (Figure 2.16).

At the conclusion of the movement, Kapustin does not notate attacca as he did in

a parallel place in the first movement. The fermatas on the last notes, however, do create

a sense of sustaining the unresolved harmony and letting it linger in the air. Just as the

first movement “resolves” to the second movement, this movement resolves in the

beginning of the next movement. Kapustin continues his practice of leaving the listener

with a feeling of something unfinished, or left hanging.

Third Movement: III. Vivace

The third movement is a fast movement. In a traditional sonata, the third

movement is either a minuet and trio, a scherzo, or a finale if the sonata has only three

movements. This third movement could be seen as a finale if the sonata had three

movements; however, it has four and so should have more of a scherzo role in the sonata.

If one takes a close look at the form, it also appears to be written in a monothematic

sonata form. The structure of this movement is shown in Table 2.3.

The structure of this movement is standard. As one can see from the figure, the

first and second key areas, as well as the first coda, are all in symmetrical lengths of 16

measures. Only the development and second coda are in sections of asymmetrical

27
 Table 2.3. Structure of the third movement

Exposition Recapitulation Coda

Development Tonic key

First key area Transition Second key area Transition I Developmental
area

1-32 33-48 49-64 65-99 100-115 116-131 132-147 148-162

A minor Modal F minor Constantly modulating Modal A minor A major A major

28
lengths. This is usually the case, however, since both of the sections are developmental

sections.

Kapustin presents another different character in this movement. It is not free-

flowing and relaxed like the first, nor gloomy and atmospheric like the second. This

movement is more upbeat and cheerful, with much syncopation and a catchy tune.

Unlike the beginnings of the other three movements of the sonatas, this movement

starts without an introduction. The bass has the A minor-9 chord and provides the clear

tonality of A minor. It also differs from the previous two movements in that it is very

rhythmic from the start. The rhythm of the left hand chords depicts the same rhythm one

would hear from the bass drum in a rock band (Figure 2.17). The texture of the

beginning of the movement is thinner compared to the second movement. It begins with

a simple, single-line melody in the right hand with chordal accompaniment in the left

hand. However, the simple melody does not last very long. After the first phrase, he

thickens the texture by writing more notes in a chordal-texture accompaniment

supporting the top melody line. Kapustin uses accents on the weak beats to create

syncopation in the same way he uses them in many other instances in the sonata, notably,

the recapitulation of the theme in the first movement of the sonata.

The theme is being repeated in m. 17, this time an octave higher than the previous

occurrence and also with varied accompaniment once again, just as he did in the first

movement. In m. 29-31, Kapustin uses the same rhythmic idea and repeats the last four

notes of the theme, but shortens the rhythmic value of the last note of each motive.

Usually the shortening of a rhythmic idea propels the music forward; however, Kapustin

uses this shortening to bring the section to a close. Instead of having a driving effect, this

29
rhythm creates almost the opposite, a sort of unclear, yet slowing down to end the A

section (Figure 2.18).

Figure 2.17. Third movement, mm. 1-4

Figure 2.18. Third movement, mm. 29-32

In m. 32, Kapustin uses a D-flat dominant bebop scale (D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭, B,

C, D♭) to shift into the transition section. He often uses figures like this to transition

from one section to another, just as he did in the first movement in mm. 77-78 (Figure

2.8) and m. 94 (Figure 2.9). Kapustin experiments with modal harmony in this section,

using modes such as G Dorian, Bb Dorian, as well as the Aeolian mode. Because he uses

modal harmony instead of tonal harmony, these new sounds set this transition apart even

more from the first key area.

30
 The second key area of this monothematic sonata enters in m. 50. It still follows a

similar chord progression to the first occurrence of the opening key area. Kapustin also

adds triplets and a hemiola to make the repeat of the theme more interesting and to add

diversity. M. 64 transitions into the development section by using a polyrhythm and a

crescendo that propels the closing second key area into the entrance of the assertive

music which characterizes the development section.

Kapustin uses many interesting techniques in developing the main theme. He first

restates the main theme but in a different rhythmic pattern. The left hand chordal rhythm

here depicts the bass drum and the snare drum of the rock band; the low chords represent

the bass drum, the higher chords represent the snare drum (Figure 2.19).

Figure 2.19. Third movement, mm. 64-69

31
 In this first phrase of the development, mm. 65-75, Kapustin alternates between

two motives: two eighth notes followed by three syncopated eighth notes, and four

straight eighth notes (Figure 2.19). In the second phrase, he switches the melody line into

the bass clef while the right hand accompanies it with parallel second inversion chords

(Figure 2.19). After this, he again uses polyrhythms and chromatic harmony until the

return of the motive in m. 83 (Figure 2.20).

Figure 2.20. Third movement, mm. 77-82

The development continues with a section of rapid triplet eighth notes. The

contour of these eighth notes depicts waves of ascending lines. It completely ignores any

bar lines or the meter because they are not grouped regularly. In addition, the motive of

the theme is also hidden within those lines (Figure 2.21). This development section is

packed with various developmental ideas and they are presented one after another

without any breaks.

32
 Unlike traditional sonata form, the recapitulation starts with a transition section.

Like the second key area, it then goes through several modal harmonies to return to the

opening key area, A minor. The melody and the bass accompaniment are slightly altered

from the first A section; at the end of this section, it changes direction to a different

harmony in preparation for the coda.

Figure 2.21. Third movement, mm. 89-96

33
 Kapustin uses this coda in a way that differs slightly from the traditional coda. A

coda in a traditional classical sonata would confirm and emphasize the tonic key of the

piece, usually with many repeated V-I progressions. However, Kapustin completely

changes the key to A major and continues with many different harmonies over an A

pedal. The coda (Figure 2.22) also begins in a new tempo marking: Piu vivo. This

section has two phrases, one of nine measures and one of seven measures. It is not the

Figure 2.22. Third movement, mm. 132-147

34
typical eight measure phrase because of diminution. The two phrases are similar but part

of the second phrase is repeated in diminution; the note values of the second motive are

twice as short as the first statement of the motive.

The running bass line of this section contains the notes of an A major chord with

non-harmonic notes embellishing it. The character here becomes more animated and

energetic, with a sense of urgency building to the end. Kapustin repeats a low A in the

bass, which follows the usual role of the coda and gives the listener a sense of the tonic

key. However, the harmonies above the A keep changing, contradicting the sense of a

tonic key.

At this point, after the first coda section ends, he presents a “coda” to the coda

which is developmental in nature. This coda section starts with the marking stringendo,

indicating it should be played with an accelerating tempo until the end. However, to

accelerate from the piu vivo tempo in the previous coda section is rather challenging. To

add to the difficulty, this section is now written in an even faster rhythm of triplet eighth

notes. The melody is held in the top line, with the stride piano style accompaniment in

the bass. After three measures of clear, strong first and third down beats, he uses a

hemiola once again. The right hand is written in groups of four descending notes taken

from the five notes of the motive (Figure 2.23). The left hand also has the motive in

quarter notes, which is then doubled in octaves and two octaves lower when it is

repeated.

The effect is of tremendous activity as it catapults the listener to the end.

Because of all of the running notes, it gives the effect of a large crescendo, both in

35
 Figure 2.23. Third movement, mm. 151-153

volume, motives and themes, and rhythm, rushing to the end of the movement. However,

Kapustin evades expectation and winds down the movement by appending a single line

melody in the last five measures (Figure 2.24). He brings back the motive one last time,

in the same register as the beginning, then diminuendos to the last measure, throwing in a

Figure 2.24. Third movement, mm. 157-162

36
quasi glissando to end the roller coaster effect. The bass has a clear A major chord, but

the right hand has an appoggiatura that cancels all of the sharps (Figure 2.24). This

negates the A major sound, once again ending with a contradictory harmony.

Fourth Movement: IV. Allegro molto

Kapustin unites jazz harmony with classical structure in ways that previous

composers had not. Perhaps this can be seen most clearly in the last movement of his

Sonata-Fantasy. The last movement is written in a textbook-like sonata-allegro form.

The form of the movement can be seen in Table 2.4.

This movement, like many other traditional sonata form movements, begins with

an introduction. The introduction itself is a blend of classical and jazz elements. The

first two right hand chords imitate the opening two chords of Rachmaninoff’s second

sonata (Figure 2.25). And the octave running passages which directly follow the chords

are reminiscent of the fourth movement of Chopin’s second sonata (Figure 2.26). Even

though these resonances can be related to other classical composers’ pieces, the

harmonies are nonetheless utterly jazz; the notes of the opening chords are part of a C

bebop dominant scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B♭, B, C), and the running notes are part of a C

bebop Dorian scale (C, D, E♭, E, F, G, A, B♭, C). In addition to this, Kapustin adds yet

another major jazz element, that of call and response. The opening ten measures can be

seen as left hand calling and right hand responding, like so many jazz tunes.

37
 Table 2.4. Structure of the fourth movement

Exposition Recapitulation
Introduction Development Coda
Theme I Transition Theme II Closing Theme I Transition Theme II Closing

1-21 22-51 52-63 64-95 96-121 121-153 154-163 164-171 172-197 198-223 224-241

D minor F major D minor D major

38
 Figure 2.25. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 2

Figure 2.26. Chopin’s Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35, IV. Finale

Kapustin begins this movement without presenting a clear sense of meter, just as he did

in the first movement. The entrances of the “call and response” chords and octaves are

mostly not on strong beats. In addition, the length between entrances varies, and each set

of two chords begins with an accent to further throw off the sense of pulse even more

(Figure 2.27). He uses rich tertian harmony as a harmonic misdirection from the F major

or D minor sonorities one would expect with this key signature.

There is a lack of a true downbeat until m. 12. Even when a clear downbeat does

arrive, it is in a syncopated rhythm, hinting at the rhythm of a motive that will appear

39
frequently throughout this movement. This leads to a strong arrival of a typical jazz

progression of ii-V-I, introducing a hint of the main melody (Figure 2.28).

Figure 2.27. Fourth movement, mm. 1-4

Figure 2.28. Fourth movement, mm. 12-14

The introduction has many passages with a single melody line played with both

hands in alternation. Kapustin uses these running passages of a single line in different

ways throughout the entire piece, sometimes serving as a link between two phrases (m.

14-15), sometimes filling in empty space between longer held notes. At other times he

40
uses the figure to extend a harmony. In mm. 19-21, Kapustin uses this single line figure

as an extension of the final chord of the introduction (Figure 2.29). The final chord does

not resolve until the first theme enters; this chord appears as the ♭II of D, which is

enharmonic to the leading note of D. Another example of the pivotal significance of this

relationship throughout the work.

Figure 2.29. Fourth movement, mm. 19-21

The beginning of the main theme is unmistakable. A fermata separates the

introduction from the first theme, setting it strikingly apart. After the introduction

section, Kapustin writes four measures of vamp which precedes the main theme. These

four measures set up D Dorian mode, as well as give a perpetual motion feel to the piece.

The character of this theme is very energetic and playful and peppered with many

syncopated rhythms. When the right hand has long notes, the left hand takes over the

constantly moving sixteenth note passages, making it feel restless even during the longer

notes.

41
 The theme can be seen as a sort of antecedent-consequent, question-answer.

Kapustin separates these two parts of the theme by writing them in two different modal

harmonies; the first half, or antecedent, is in D Dorian, the second half, or consequent, in

D Aeolian (Figure 2.30). M. 33 is an instance of parallel harmony in both right hand

Figure 2.30. Fourth movement, mm. 26-29

Figure 2.31. Fourth movement, mm 32-33

42
and left hand, but going in contrary motion (Figure 2.31). This is also known as planing,

something that Debussy used to great effect. However, Debussy’s planing usually takes

place in similar rather than contrary motion. In Kapsutin’s, each hand does its own thing.

At this point, Kapustin writes chords with open slurs again, as in the beginning of

the first movement, and stays on one harmony for a full two measures, which he rarely

does, giving the music a rich, lush feel. After this passage, a more pulsing, rhythmic bass

takes over, suggesting the rhythm of the bass drum of a rock band. The first theme returns

in m. 42. It seems as if Kapustin brings back the theme occasionally to reassure the

listener that it is still there, before venturing into other harmonies and improvisatory

figures based on that theme.

The transition section begins in m. 52. Just as in a typical classical sonata, it has a

long passage of hammer blows of the dominant in the bass. In mm. 52-56, a C in the

bass, sets up the key of F major for the second theme. The purpose of a transition section

is to drive to the secondary theme. It begins with a subito piano followed by a

continuous crescendo, building up energy and drive to the medial caesura in m. 63

(Figure 2.32). The medial caesura is very clearly marked with a fermata over a quarter

rest. The transition ends in G flat, which is again, the flat 2 of F.

The secondary theme then enters, a quieter, subdued theme. In classical sonatas,

the secondary theme often has a gentler character and here Kapustin continues to follow

standard procedure. Although it is not a lyrical theme, it is gently playful and clearly

more relaxed in character than the first theme. The articulation of the melody alternates

between staccato and legato, creating the playful character, but the perpetual motion

ceases and note values lengthen (Figure 2.33). In addition, the left hand becomes

43
 Figure 2.32. Fourth movement, mm. 60-67

contrapuntal rather than chordal. Then Kapustin inserts a slightly contrasting eight

measures in m. 80-87, bringing back the rhythm and chordal texture from the

introduction (m. 14). After this brief contrast, the secondary theme returns.

True to sonata form, the essential expositional closure (EEC) can be found in m.

96. New material follows, beginning the closing section of the exposition. The left hand

is very rhythmic and the right hand melody slightly syncopated, but not so much so that it

throws off the sense of pulse; on the contrary, this section creates a distinct sense of

dance-like pulse. The right hand introduces a new rhythmic motive (Figure 2.34) that can

44
 Figure 2.33. Fourth movement, mm. 60-67

be seen from m. 104-110. The closing section finally settles in F major in m. 117, then

slowly dies down until m. 120 where the development starts. This dying away effect is

the same effect that is heard in a jazz combo when the chorus comes to an end and all of

the instruments diminuendo to give way to the bass solo (Figure 2.35). As if Kapustin is

transcribing a jazz combo’s performance, the development begins with a single line

melody played in the lower register of the piano, representing the bassist of the combo.

M. 134 slows down as if the solo is coming to an end, then in m. 135 the texture thickens,

as if the other members of the jazz combo have rejoined the music.

45
 Figure 2.34. Fourth movement, mm. 104-105

Figure 2.35. Fourth movement, mm.119-127

After this, Kapustin continues the development section by revisiting many

different ideas from the exposition. The meter here is once again unclear because he uses

so many syncopated rhythms. The music builds with a dynamic crescendo, accompanied

46
by a graphic representation of a crescendo with the soprano ascending and bass

descending to the extremes of the piano (Figure 2.36). Kapustin incorporates a typical

jazz style of writing for piano, the stride style bass line in mm. 141-142. A quasi

glissando passage brings back motivic material from the first theme in m. 28 and the

development section ends with a diminuendo.

Figure 2.36. Fourth movement, mm. 134-139

The recapitulation at m. 154 brings back everything from the exposition but in a

truncated form. The first theme and transition in the exposition are 42 measures long;

when Kapustin brings this material back, it is only 18 measures long. There is another

very obvious break in m. 171, representing the medial caesura, then the secondary theme

begins in m. 172. This is the same material from the exposition, however, it is in the key

of D major. This differs from tradition sonata form because the sonata began in D minor.

47
 The second theme remains largely unchanged from that of the exposition. M. 190

strays from the first occurrence of the secondary theme, and also shifts the downbeats to

the last eighth note of each measure (Figure 2.37). This technique of shifting the strong

beat can been seen in many of Schumann’s works, such as the Paganini movement of

Schumann’s Carnaval. Mm. 194-197 return to the secondary theme, then ends with the

essential structure closure (ESC) at m. 197. The closing section begins in m. 198, and

closely parallels to the closing section of the exposition.

Figure 2.37. Fourth movement, mm.188-197

48
 Like traditional sonata form, this movement has a coda that repetitively

emphasizes V-I harmony; however, each V-I is preceded by a IV. The rhythmic pattern

in the coda is derived from the first theme. It begins with phrases of two measures, then

shortens to one measure. This foreshortening increases the sense of urgency and drive to

the end. He uses this motive of running parallel octaves for four measures, then changes

to parallel chords in both hands, but the chords are just off the beat, offset by one

sixteenth note. This technique can be found in many other classical composers’ sonatas,

especially Beethoven’s, as in the first movement of Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31,

No. 1. (Figure 2.38). However, the harmonies sound anything but classical. The

Figure 2.38. Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Op. 31. No. 1, 1st movement

harmony to the final cadence is vii-vi-IV-I, omitting the expected V-I harmony. The last

measure is parallel octaves that outline a D minor harmony. The second half of the

movement is in D major and ends in D major. However, the last running passage has F

49
naturals, shifting the major sound to minor. This parallels his procedure as at the end of

the third movement where he changes from A major to it A minor. To the last notes of

the sonata, Kapustin’s harmonies are unpredictable, perhaps to give the effect of

changing his mind at the last moment. However, he ends the sonata in “correct” classical

style: the music ends in the same key in which it started.

50
 CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSION

Kapustin’s music can be an illuminating topic for study yielding many riches for

who either analyze or perform it. As a pianist who has done both, I feel that I can speak

to the ingenuity of Kapustin as a composer and pianist. Because Kapustin studied with a

teacher who had focused on training his technique as a pianist, he knows how to write

music that fits in the hands well and makes pianistic sense. Although this piece has a few

similarities to the music of Rachmaninoff, the overall sound and effect is completely

different. Yet the demands of Kapustin’s sonata are similar to those of a Rachmaninoff

sonata. Both require the stamina to play through challenging passages of difficult runs

that go on for pages, both have lyrical melodies that need to be brought out amongst the

surrounding harmonies, and both contain passages of a very thick texture that requires

intricate voicing. This music is not for the faint of heart.

It has greatly helped my performance of this piece to have analyzed it in as much

detail as I did, so that I had both intellectual knowledge as well as the tactile knowledge

of what was happening throughout the entire piece. Furthermore, this music is at times

hard to digest. Due to its dense texture and relentlessness, listeners may be overwhelmed

by the waves of sound. It is the performer’s duty to decipher the music and present it in

such a way that the listener can understand exactly what is happening.

There are several aspects of this sonata that are the crux of Kapustin’s

compositions in general. The way he is able to seamlessly incorporate so many classical,

jazz, and Russian elements into the same piece is intriguing. As has been amply shown,

his music is also characterized by perpetual motion, as well as a copious use of hemiolas

51
and syncopated rhythms. Kapustin’s music is also filled with allusions of jazz

ensembles; the way that he can portray multiple instruments on a single piano is truly

remarkable.

It is my hope that this study will encourage more musicians to study and perform

his music so that, in the future, more people will be able to enjoy the innovations that

Kapustin brings to a new era of classical music.

52
 REFERENCES

Books

Alldis, Dominic. A Classical Approach to Jazz Piano: Exploring Harmony. Milwaukee:

Hal-Leonard Corporation, 2000.

Levine, Mark. The Jazz Piano Book. Petaluma: Sher Music Co., 1989.

_____. The Jazz Piano Book. Petaluma: Sher Music Co., 1995.

Starr, S. Frederick. Red and Hot: The Fate of Jazz in the Soviet Union 1917-1980. New
York: Oxford University Press, 1983.

Dissertations

Creighton, Randall J. “A Man of Two Worlds: Classical and Jazz Influences in Nikolai
Kapustin’s Twenty-Four Preludes, Op. 53.” D.M.A. diss., University of Arizona,
2009.

Hayashida, Mami. “From Sonata and Fantasy to Sonata-Fantasy: Charting a Musical

Evolution.” University of Kentucky, 2007.

Mann, Jonathan Edward. “Red, White, and BlueNotes: The Symbiotic Music of Nikolai
Kapustin.” D.M.A. diss., University of Cincinnati, 2007.

Roberts, Jonathan Eugene. “Classical Jazz: The Life and Musical Innovations of Nikolai
Kapustin.” D.M.A. diss., University of Alabama, 2013.

Steele, Susannah. “Nikolai Kapustin’s Ten Bagatelles, Op. 59.” D.M.A. diss., University
of North Carolina, 2013.

Journals

Anderson, Martin, “Nikolai Kapustin, Russian Composer of Classical Jazz,” Fanfare,

(Sep/Oct 2000): 93-97.

Brown, Robert L., “Classical Influences on Jazz,” Journal of Jazz Studies 3 (Spring
1976): 19-35.

Duchin, Jessica. “Marc-André Hamelin, Where the Music Takes Me,” International
Piano 8, no. 35 (2004): 13-17.
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Isacoff, Stuart. "Marc-André Hamelin Plays the Wild and Jazzy Music of Nikolai
Kapustin." Piano Today 24, no. 4 (2004): 4-6.

Smith, Harriet. "Bridging the Divide: An Interview with Kapustin." International Piano
Quarterly, (Autumn, 2000): 54-55.

Recordings

Distler, Jed. Notes to Nikolai Kapustin Piano Music, Hyperion CDA67433, 2004.

Hamelin, Marc-André. Nikolai Kapustin Piano Music. Hyperion CDA67433, 2001.

Kapustin, Nikolai. Nikolai Kapustin: Jazz Pieces for Piano. Bohème Music, CDBMR
007148, 1989.

Osborne, Steven. Nikolai Kapustin Piano Music. Hyperion CDA67159, 2000.

_____. Notes to Nikolai Kapustin Piano Music. Hyperion CDA67159, 2000.

Scores

Kapustin, Nikolai. Piano Sonata No. 1 (Sonata-Fantasia), Op. 39. Moscow: A-RAM,
1984

Beethoven, Ludwig van. Thirty-Two Piano Sonatas. New York: Dover Publications,
1975. http://javanese.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/6/6e/IMSLP51731-
PMLP01461-Beethoven_Werke_Breitkopf_Serie_16_No_139_Op_31_No_1.pdf
(accessed February 20, 2014).

Chopin, Frederic. Edited by Carl Mikuli. Complete Works for Piano, Vol.9. New York:
G. Schirmer, 1895.
http://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/8/87/IMSLP111374-PMLP02363-
FChopin_Piano_Sonata_No.2__Op.35_Mikuli.pdf. (accessed March 11, 2014).

Gershwin, George. 3 Preludes. New York: New World Music Co., 1927. (accessed
February 28, 2014).

Websites

De'Ath, Leslie, "Nikolai Kapustin - a Performer's Perspective" http://www.musicweb-

international.com/classrev/2002/Jun02/Kapustin.htm (accessed March 1 2014).

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De Haan, Wim. “Nikolai Kapustin: Pianist and Composer,” http://nikolai-kapustin.info/
(accessed January 29, 2014).

Rijen, Onno van. “Nikolai Kapustin,” http://home.wanadoo.nl/ovar/kapustin.htm

(accessed September 16, 2013).

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 VITA

Kit Loong Yee, native of Malaysia, received his Bachelor of Music degree from

University of Malaya in 2008. He then traveled to the US and received his Master of

Music degree from Missouri State University. After graduating, he moved to Baton

Rouge, Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University where he will received his

Doctorate of Musical Arts. He is teaching private piano lessons in the Baton Rouge area,

as well as freelance accompanying, and traveling to different universities to perform

recitals and master classes.

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