https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100704 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:14:51 GMT 2026-04-10T00:14:51Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100875 Title: The interpretation of a recital repertoire : a survey of violin performances Abstract: Preparation for a final recital requires the musician to go beyond simple practice to fulfil a thoughtful process for optimal results. How does one prepare for a recital? How is music interpreted? What are the elements of interpretation? What do the recordings suggest? How does this influence my interpretation? This dissertation discusses all the questions above while going step by step into the analysis of other violinist’s recordings and performances and the implied influenced on my interpretation. The programme recital consists of the first two movements from J.S. Bach’s Paritita no.2 in d minor, second and third movements from Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto no.3 in b minor, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Romance no.2 in F major, Josef Suk’s Appassionato from Four Pieces for Piano and Violin, and Alfred Schnittke’s Polka. The first chapter, which is the Literature Review, discusses the concept of interpretation and the different elements that form interpretation. It also covers the various eras of music that will be represented in the recital as well as information on the composers. Finally, the recordings chosen for interpretation purposes are listed. The second chapter discusses the exploration of interpretation. Every piece is analysed, and recordings compared for interpretation examples. Figures are used to illustrate differences and choices made for the interpretations. The third chapter focuses on the performance and preparation of the repertoire for the recital. Practice processes are mentioned, and the idea of technical difficulty and interpretation freedom is discussed. Finally, improving performance anxiety is explored with the recital in mind. In conclusion, comments are given on what could have been improved during this recital preparation process, as well as looking ahead into what can be done in the near future. Description: B. Mus (Hons)(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100875 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100874 Title: Re-evaluating selected clarinet works of Carmelo Pace involving a critical edition Abstract: The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a study of the life and music of Carmelo Pace (1906-1993), who remains one of the most significant composers of twentieth-century Maltese music. He was one of the first Maltese composers who started to experiment with atonality harmonic language in his works. In addition, during his lifetime he managed to compose more than 500 musical compositions, of various lengths and different genres including operas, symphonies, concertos, choral works and also chamber music. This dissertation outlines Pace’s life, the environment in which he was brought up to and also his early and popular works. Although he is considered as one of the significant composers in Malta, he has received comparatively little attention from scholars. In fact, most of his works are stored and shelved in archives. Throughout this research, a critical edition was done on three selected clarinet works, these being the Orpheus, Scherzo and Andante Espressivo. These three pieces were chosen for different reasons due to their style, instrumental combination and also for the simple reason that there are some parts within the original scores which needed some editing since these were not indicated precisely in the original scores of Pace’s. Furthermore, by writing a critical edition, these works could be revived and performed again in today’s repertoire. A thorough analysis of these three clarinet works was carried out in which musical style and compositional techniques adopted by the composer were investigated. Description: B. Mus (Hons)(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100874 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100851 Title: 'L-Għanja tal-Poplu' : a festival for the nation : a socio-musicological evaluation Abstract: Festivals in Malta are a topic of interest in the history of Maltese Popular music. This dissertation examines ‘L-Għanja tal-Poplu’, a festival that has been running for almost fifty years, with forty-six editions in total, and upon studying and analysing, I aim to provide a better understanding of how it has developed throughout both musically and socially. The Youth Travel Circle was the youth club, ran by Fr. Maurice Mifsud, which gave birth to this yearly event that launched in 1973: This research will delve into how the festival has worked its way towards promoting the Maltese language through the beauty of folk and popular music. The significant changes of the festival will be highlighted further, and with the use of case studies, it shall discuss major winners that had left an impact on the music of Malta; from the pioneers of the very first festivals, to the most recent well-known artists in Malta. Additionally, it considers the usage of themes that are embedded into the winning songs, and how the singer-songwriter aspect was, and remains, the most important characteristic in this context. Besides a provided history of the youth club and the festival, each unique artist, along with their winning song, will be examined into detail, including the inspiration behind their work, and the meaning behind their poetic words. Optimistically, I do hope that the outcome of this research will give a greater insight on how this festival has left such an influence on the history of music in Malta, how its artists were given a platform to voice their opinion through song, and how its role and purpose in today’s Maltese music society has fully grown into a genre of its own. Description: B. Mus (Hons)(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/100851 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z