WIENIAWSKI’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE CULTURE OF EXPRESSION: Understanding The Aesthetics Of Violin Music In The Nineteenth Century

Abstract

Numerous studies relevant to Henryk Wieniawski (1835-1880) have been conducted on context and performance aesthetics, and while many recording analyses of nineteenth century violin repertoire have been undertaken, a gap between these two approaches exists. This research aims to investigate the link between eyewitness reports of Wieniawski’s performances of his own works and early recordings of Wieniawski’s music by performing artists who were contemporaries of the composer. From this discussion we can contextualize Wieniawski’s own performances via comments made by writers of the period to the recordings mentioned as the performing artists who recorded the composer’s works had a direct connection with Wieniawski. Based on concert reports, numerous eyewitnesses attested to the profound expressiveness of Wieniawski’s playing style. This study therefore explores the aesthetics and importance of Henryk Wieniawski’s violin music, particularly in the light of selected measurable expressive devices in performance. It is informed by literature analysis, recording analysis, musical analysis and reflective practice: (1) The literature analysis contextualises this study by providing a broader understanding. It includes the exploration of both reports from Wieniawski’s performances and other documents contextualising nineteenth-century ideals and concepts of expression. (2) The recording analysis analyses the interpretations of selected early recordings by violinists closely connected with Wieniawski’s musical performance practice, including specific observations facilitated by Sonic Visualizer. (3) The musical analysis briefly identifies the expressive instructions enshrined in the scores, and their implications. (4) The performance aims to explore and demonstrate the findings of this study practically. The outcomes of this study should provide violinists with an improved understanding of Wieniawski’s position in the nineteenth century, while offering suggestions for the performance of his music.