Forming an interpretation of the violin works of Boulez, Cage, Nono : a comparative study

This thesis contains documentation to support my interpretation of violin works written in the twentieth century. Selected works for this study are: John Cage’s Freeman Etudes; Luigi Nono’s La Lontananza Nostalgica Utopica Futura and “Hay Que Caminar” Soñando; also, Pierre Boulez’ Anthèmes 1 and 2. The three composers’ works are discussed separately. In the first chapter, notation and distinctive violin techniques in the Freeman Etudes are explored, and a recording analysis answers ambiguous aspects in its notation. An interview with the British violinist Irvine Arditti also reveals his practical opinions for the Freeman Etudes. Interpreting the eight-channel tape of La Lontananza and solving the notational issues are the main subjects in the second chapter. A new performance edition provided here comprises fully-corrected notational errorsin the manuscript, and reflects Irvine Arditti’s performance style. The last chapter explores details in electronics, and considers a way to perform with the electronics from the violinist’s point of view. At the end of every chapter, consensus violin techniques are discussed. Conclusions are also added at the end of every chapter to illustrate performance plans.