Australian post-1970 solo piano literature: a study of the available literature including a discussion of relevant contemporary compositional elements

The purpose of this study is to examine compositions for solo piano by composers who are Australian, either by birth or residential status, written between 1970 and 1998. This dissertation firstly surveys the available teaching and concert performance repertoire. It deals primarily with stylistic trends pursued by Australian composers today. Secondly it discusses contemporary innovations in piano writing relating to the Australian repertoire. This includes a discussion of possible difficulties encountered when performing the works. Basic musical concepts such as notation, rhythm, harmonic language, articulation and technical difficulties, and contemporary effects are examined. The dissertation wishes to provide a practical approach to the repertoire for those teachers and students who may be unfamiliar with the literature available and with some of the musical elements inherent in scores composed after 1970.