Semantic Properties of the Rhythmic and Modal-Intonational Elements of Folkloric Origin in the Piano Creations of the Composers from the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The national character of piano pieces written by composers of the Republic of Moldova, its means and forms of expression are a recurring topic in the analysis of autochthonous piano repertoire. From this standpoint, the present study reviews some piano pieces by Moldovan composers that have become a part of concert and pedagogical repertoire. Bearing in mind the varied character of approaches to folklore in the autochthonous piano works, the author identifies the main tendencies in the development of musical language of Moldovan composers and characterizes their attitude towards the folk base of musical material. Factual basis for the review of particularities of thematic material is included in the article in the form of music score excerpts, selected according to the methodologies generally accepted in musicology and ethnomusicology. In the analysis of character and tempo, a distinction is made between cantilena and virtuoso pieces: it is shown that while cantilena pieces have a close connection to the genre of doina, the virtuoso ones are inspired by Moldovan folk dances. The author also underlines that the style originality of the works reviewed in the article stems mainly from the folk elements that have impregnated naturally in their language, becoming an inherent component of musical canvas.