This site is based on my doctoral work Extended Piano Techniques in Theory, History, and Performance Practice (2009). Through an investigation of more than 17.000 compositions, this study deals with matters of theory regarding extended techniques individually and as a whole, charts a detailed history, and accumulates historical performance practices. Ensuing projects such as peyotl even include creating new repertoire.

The dissertation is available for viewing and downloading for free here, but, even though it is accessed regularly, I have noticed how many are still not aware of the research results. Besides the perhaps intimidating size of the file, discouraging people to browse it, the fact that its content cannot be searched online certainly prevents potentially interested parties from knowing that their expertise may be dealt with. The most poignant example of this conundrum is the way the topic is still considered to be pertinent to 20th century repertoire for the piano, leading pianoforte (and harpsichord and organ) players to mistakenly think that it does not partcular pertain to them.

As the dissertation is a fixed item in the Leiden Repository, and because of copyright agreements, this site merely highlights the content of the dissertation. If you want to read it, you still have to go there to view or download it.

Luk Vaes