Portfolio of compositions an exploration of the manipulation of modes

[摘要] This thesis consists of a portfolio of compositions accompanied by a written commentary and audio recordings of the works. The commentary discusses each of the works within the context of how mode is manipulated and treated for neotonal purposes. Four techniques are presented and illustrated with examples from the portfolio: the application of added-tone sonorities modelled after the music of Eric Whitacre; the construction of synthetic modes that conform to the constraints of Dmitri Tymoczko’s model of scale networks; the generation and application of rotational arrays based on a row that is derived from prior material and is a subset of the octatonic; and the generation of “Russian modes” and derivatives using ideas inspired by Russian music theorist Boleslav Yavorsky. Particular attention is paid both to methods of modulation and their musical significance and to the octatonic implications of the latter two techniques. Each example presented includes detailed analysis within the context of the applied technique and its relevance to the intended musical affect.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:School of Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music

[关键词] M Music and Books on Music;M Music