Abstract:
This study portrays the critical review of piano duet (four hands, one piano) and piano duo (two pianos) repertoire within the context of South African art music. The selection of Masks (1999) for piano duet by Stefans Grové (1922 – 2014) and Takes two to tango (2013) for two pianos by Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph created the opportunity to explore the diverse stylistic dimensions of two prominent composers within the idiomatic context. The theoretical analysis of these works reveals the distinctive application of structure, motivic transformation, textural devices, harmonic constructs and rhythmic vitality. Subsequently a connection between compositional techniques and idiomatic features was discerned. Technical challenges within the piano duet and duo idioms are expounded along with suggestions to facilitate the realisation thereof. These compositions are representations of the stylistic attributes of Grové and Zaidel-Rudolph. Minimal documentation exists with regard to piano duet composition and performance in South Africa. The geneses of these mediums in relation to local tendencies is presented in this thesis. Assembling the catalogue of South African piano duets and duos divulged the compositional course of these mediums, revealing that modern piano duet composition operates mainly from the educational sphere. Conversely, piano duo composition has taken over as the preferred medium for the concert hall. The collaboration between modern pianists and composers can provide a possible solution for this void. Masks and Takes two to tango are show pieces deserving to be performed regularly.
