Searching for the Baroque Spirit: an Exploratory Study of Teaching Strategies for the Successful Performance of Baroque Keyboard Music on the Modern Piano

This research forms part of a larger original contribution to the field of piano performance practice. It investigates the search for the Baroque spirit in the performance of Baroque keyboard music on the modern day piano. Firstly the researcher describes, interprets and critiques the many dimensions of the authenticity debate,with special reference to the performance of Baroque keyboard music on the piano, an instrument that did not exist at the time when the music in question was written. Secondly, the researcher investigates and reflects on the general state of Baroque piano performance practice in South Africa today. Thirdly, the researcher provides her original contribution to the field of Baroque performance practice by analyzing the piano scores of the UNISA Grade A List,pre-Grade 1 to Grade 7, highlighting salient aspects pertaining to performance practice. She presents a teaching framework for the authentic performance practice of Baroque music for the pianoforte in a contemporary context. This presents a valuable and unique guide for both pianoforte teachers and lecturers, to assist pianists to prepare,interpret and perform Baroque music on the modern pianoforte.