An Exploration of Cultural Transmission through the Application of Jazz Theory to the Music of Frederic Chopin

Author

Aaron Michael King, Missouri State UniversityFollow

Date of Graduation

Fall 2020

Degree

Master of Music

Department

Music

Committee Chair

John Prescott

Abstract

Connections between classical music and jazz were observed and detailed, providing an expanded understanding of the cultural underpinnings of Western music. This study featured explanations of concepts found in jazz theory, such as approach tones and ii⁷-V⁷-I⁷ progression, and comparisons of stylistic features of both music. These concepts were then applied to describe features in the music of Frederic Chopin, specifically “Nocturne No. 1,” “Berceuse,” and “Prelude No. 4.” Through cross-cultural analysis, this study aims to provide the reader with information and further appreciation of the elements found in jazz music and to delineate the relationship of those elements to Chopin’s oeuvre.

Keywords

jazz, music theory, Frederic Chopin, classical music, improvisation

Subject Categories

Music Theory

Copyright

© Aaron Michael King

Recommended Citation

King, Aaron Michael, "An Exploration of Cultural Transmission through the Application of Jazz Theory to the Music of Frederic Chopin" (2020). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 3565.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3565