Abstract:
This dissertation discusses the stylistic and structural properties seen in the late compositional period of Polish-American composer Robert Muczynski. The focus falls mainly on his last piano composition, Desperate Measures. The development of musical style in the USA, the creation and development of neo-classicism alongside several stylistic aspects of Muczynski’s music are amongst the topics investigated in the literature review. In the next chapter the possible periodisation of Muczynski’s oeuvre is discussed with emphasis on the identification of a late period. In chapters 3 and 4 a more detailed discussion of Muczynski’s overall style is presented together with a thorough analysis of his use of form structure and his use of stylistic aspects respectively in his composition Desperate Measures. The dissertation is concluded with the researcher’s definition of Muczynski’s late period as well as a discussion of form structural and stylistic elements in Desperate Measures seen as an example of a composition from said period. With the completion of this dissertation the researcher hopes to increase interest in Muczynski’s music in South Africa and to introduce the composer’s work to a larger group of listeners and performers.
