The stylistic traits of Charles Griffes's piano music: 'Roman Sketches', Op. 7 and Piano Sonata (1917--1918)

Like most composers, Charles Griffes's piano works display certain recurring stylistic traits. These traits transcend the three periods in which his music is categorized. A comparison of two of his best known piano works, Roman Sketches, Op. 7 and the Piano Sonata (1917--18), illustrates the significant compositional techniques that he continued to use as his style matured. Examples from other piano works are included in this document although the focus is primarily on these two. The comparisons also highlight the traits that Griffes added or abandoned in his later years.*.;*Originally published in DAI, Vol 62, No. 7. Reprinted here with corrected author name.