University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The concertmaster Jacques Israelievitch and his stylistic approaches to orchestral excerpts: His legacy for violinists

Chen, Kai-Wei

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/109309

Description

Title
The concertmaster Jacques Israelievitch and his stylistic approaches to orchestral excerpts: His legacy for violinists
Author(s)
Chen, Kai-Wei
Issue Date
2021
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Bashford, Christina
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Bashford, Christina
Committee Member(s)
  • Freivogel, Megan
  • Gray, Larry
  • Milenkovich, Stefan
Department of Study
School of Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Keyword(s)
  • Jacques Israelievitch
  • orchestral excerpts
  • concertmaster solos
  • styles
  • performance practice
  • pedagogy
  • interpretations
  • audition tips
Language
en
Abstract
Jacques Israelievitch, former Toronto Symphony Orchestra concertmaster, was one of the most influential concertmasters and performing artists of his time. His performances were characterized by a belief in the fine taste for musicianship and an acute sense for styles in different composers’ music. To date, little research has been done on him. By presenting Israelievitch’s story, this thesis gives readers deeper insight into the life of a concertmaster and a pedagogue, and passes on the legacy of this distinguished violinist to future generations. By discussing eight important orchestral excerpts containing Israelievitch’s bowings, fingerings, markings, and interpretations, this research not only analyses the music’s technical challenges but also provides insights into Israelievitch’s stylistic nuances and interpretive approach to these orchestral excerpts. The thesis further serves as a pedagogical tool for practicing and internalizing different styles of playing from various eras. Moreover, some important tips for preparing orchestra auditions are also presented, aiming to benefit those violinists who are auditioning or already playing in an orchestra professionally, those who study and teach orchestral excerpts, those who are learning different styles, or those who would like to learn from Israelievitch’s pedagogy. The goals of this thesis are twofold: first, to help someone prepare and win an orchestral audition; and second, to emphasize the importance of performance practice and styles by different composers from several periods and further create a pedagogical tool for styles, here obtained through an understanding of Israelievitch’s interpretations and stylistic approach.
Type of Resource
  • text
  • still image
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109309
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2021 Kai-Wei Chen

Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Theses [Option 2] - Music PRIMARY