Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/18401
Title: How the pianist's touch affects tone quality: A review of performance-based and scientific literature with applications to piano practice and performance
Contributor(s): Roberts, Cameron James (author); Hays, Terrence (supervisor); Shaw, Jennie (supervisor)
Conferred Date: 2015
Copyright Date: 2014
Open Access: Yes
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/18401
Abstract: This research examines the relationship existing between a pianist's touch and the tone quality resulting from it - the tone-touch relationship. Pianists have long debated the nature of this relationship though with little consensus of opinion. In an attempt to understand the reasons for the diversity of such opinion, the study examines the literature on the tone-touch relationship from the performer's perspective and the scientist's perspective. Tone quality causality is explored under the categories of pedagogical definitions, pianists' postures and touch characteristics, key-hammer analysis, hammer-string analysis and sound perception. Findings suggest that in order to resolve the dispute about tone quality interpretation, tone quality should be interpreted under two distinct categories: objective and subjective. Objectively, there appears to be no reliable way for a pianist to effect changes in the acoustic profile of a piano tone by means of touch, except for the contribution of key surface contact noises that are transmitted directly to the observer or indirectly via the transmission of vibrations through the instrument's structure. Subjectively, however, tone quality can be considered to be a multimodal sensory experience, relative to dynamic contributions of proprioceptive, auditory and visual inputs. In order to give this research practical relevance, focus is maintained on trying to apply an understanding of the tone-touch relationship to one's own performance practice. Personal reflection by the author is used to explore this latter point with reference made to the preparation and performance of two diverse recital programs.
Publication Type: Thesis Doctoral
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 190407 Music Performance
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 360304 Music performance
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 950101 Music
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 130102 Music
Rights Statement: Copyright 2014 - Cameron James Roberts
HERDC Category Description: T2 Thesis - Doctorate by Research
Appears in Collections:Thesis Doctoral

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