Yermak I. Flute performance art of 18th century Western Europe: The development of the instrument, the technique, and the repertoire.

The dissertation investigates the features of 18th century Western European flute performance art as a holistic phenomenon. The work systemizes the rules and recommendations presented in the treatises of this period as pertaining to the selection of tempo, the use of dynamics, flute articulation, the principles of rhythmic alteration, improvised preludes and cadences, and free ornamentation. Based on the performed research, the main criteria for the proper performance of the 18th century flute pieces, and the implementation of such guidelines for concert realization both on the ancient and on the modern transverse flute are determined. Additionally, the dissertation proceeds to analyze and systemize the solo and ensemble flute repertoire of the composition schools of France, Italy, Germany, Austria and England of the 18th century.