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The Evolution of Alexina Louie’s Piano Music: Reflections of a Soul Searching Journey

Kim, Yoomi J.

Abstract Details

2009, DMA, University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music : Piano.
This document examines the piano music of Canada’s foremost contemporary art music composer Alexina Louie (b. 1949) who is repeatedly praised for drawing out virtuosic yet sonorous techniques and coloristic effects on the piano. The significance of investigating Louie’s music is reflected in the extensive articles, surveys, and doctoral theses. However, these previous studies focus largely on her exotic Asian influences as they are written before Louie’s new intentional stylistic changes in recent years which incorporate jazz and blues idioms. Therefore, by examining both early and new styles, this document will provide a thorough, up-to-date overview of Louie’s music and also illustrate the eclectic and versatile nature of her compositional styles. Furthermore, comprehensive insight into the “New Style” will be achieved through an in-depth analysis of one of Louie’s recent boogie-woogie piano pieces In a Flash. Regardless of the difference in styles, the presence of Alexina Louie’s unique musical language will be explored through an investigation of wide-ranging piano, chamber, and orchestral literature. In addition, Louie’s musical views and influences will be uncovered through her philosophy in music and biographical sketches. Most importantly, extensive interviews with Alexina Louie facilitated by the author and different articles and commentaries will provide direct access to understanding Louie’s personal voice in music. Together with author’s interviews with commissioned pianists and a fellow acclaimed composer who studied composition under Louie, the information garnered from Louie through these interviews will provide valuable insight into her work, including her own compositional processes and performance suggestions.
Joel Hoffman, DMA (Committee Chair)
Eugene Pridonoff (Committee Member)
Elisabeth Pridonoff (Committee Member)
198 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Kim, Y. J. (2009). The Evolution of Alexina Louie’s Piano Music: Reflections of a Soul Searching Journey [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1241858005

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Kim, Yoomi. The Evolution of Alexina Louie’s Piano Music: Reflections of a Soul Searching Journey. 2009. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1241858005.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Kim, Yoomi. "The Evolution of Alexina Louie’s Piano Music: Reflections of a Soul Searching Journey." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1241858005

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)