Transcript PPT

Explorations in Music, The Arts, and Ideas“On the Relationship of Analytical Theory to
Performance and Interpretation”
Eugene Narmour – University of Pennsylvania
Arpi Mardirossian
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
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Introduction
Music theory should teach how different interpretations
alter the listener’s perception.
 What contributes to a performance being ‘good’ or ‘bad’?
 How does a specific performance make a difference to the
listener’s experience?
Composer
Performer
Listener
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Form
If formal relations are not analyzed by the performer, then many
negative consequences follow.
Brahms, Intermezzo op. 118 no.1, mm. 1-7
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Function
A major structural event in both sonata and rondo form is the
recapitulation or the return of the theme to the tonic.
These functions combine to produce tension and suspense:
 Prolongation of the dominant
 Propelling motivic repetition
Haydn, Symphony No. 94, I, mm. 177-182
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Structure
How does performance influence musical structure?
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For the listener, structure is a result of closure.
Closure occurs in various degrees.
Each parameter of music carries its internal means of closure.
The closure of one parameter may or may not coincide with the
closure of another.
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Structure - Rhythm
 Closure occurs in harmony when dissonance moves to
consonance.
 Closure: V7 – I, Nonclosure: I - V7
 Closure occurs in rhythm when a short duration moves to a
longer duration.
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Structure - Melody
 The larger a melodic interval is, the more implicative it is.
 The smaller a melodic interval is, the less implicative it is.
 Single interval of a major sixth is more ‘open’ than a minor
second.
 Small intervals imply continuation in the same direction while
large intervals imply a change in direction.
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Parametric Noncongruence
The Grave of the overture to Handel’s Messiah should be played in
the double dotted fashion of a French Overture.
Handel, Overture to Messiah, mm. 1-2
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Evaluation of Performance
Strauss, Der Rosenkavalier, Act II, Sc. 1
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Evaluation of Performance
Strauss, Der Rosenkavalier, Act II, Sc. 1
Least Imaginative –
No piano-crescendo-subito
pianissimo on the C sharp – A
sharp leap
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Evaluation of Performance
Strauss, Der Rosenkavalier, Act II, Sc. 1
An improvement –
With exception of lack of
crescendo to the high A-sharp,
Strauss’s dynamics are followed.
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Evaluation of Performance
Very Expressive. The Best!
Diminuendo to the high B is
thrilling.
Strauss, Der Rosenkavalier, Act II, Sc. 1
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