Die Instrumentalwerke Hugo Distlers : ein Beitrag zu ihrer Stilbestimmung

[摘要] This dissertation analyses the style of the published instrumental worksof Hugo Distler (1908-1942). Emphasis is placed on the innovativeaspects of the style rather than on the rejuvenation of older stylisticmodels, this latter feature having up to the present received moreattention than any other. An examination of the concept of styleanalysis in general as well as the problems arising from its applicationspecifically to the instrumental works of Distler prepares the groundfor an investigation of the principles on which the style is based. Tobegin with these principles are presented hypothetically and then verified by way of detailed discussion and numerous examples from the music itself. It is argued that they result from a style of remarkable integrity. A distinction is made between general stylistic principles(which include a linear-additive principle, a vocal principle and the principle of play) and specific structural principles. The latter are explained as specific realizations of the former on a structural level.Consequently the innovations on this level are described in great detail. This forms the main body of the dissertation. The terminologythus developed is then applied to an examination of melodic, harmonic, rhythmical and formal characteristics. It is found that an appropriate analysis and apt description of the style is possible in this way. The most important result of the investigation is the finding that Distler'sstyle represents a highly original contribution to the search 'for a wayto overcome the conventional tonal style without, however, resorting toatonality.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University