A performer's guide and new critical edition of Frank Martin's

Abstract

This three-part study traces the history and chronology of Frank Martin's Quatre Pieces Breves provides an introduction to Martin's compositional style, and examines elements of the work in regard to their significance for the performer. This study also addresses the discrepancies between the various sources of Quatre Pieces Breves , defines the role of Martin's collaborators, and justifies the new critical edition, which is based upon the author's conclusions. Frank Martin's 1933 piano score; GUITARE-Quatre Pieces Breves, published by Universal Edition in 1976, number UE 15041, is used as the primary interpretive model for the new critical edition because the author believes it preserves the composer's original intentions regarding this work. The result is a new, more authentic interpretation that is designed to serve as an alternate to the current, published edition.