Form as process in selected works of Edgard Vare`se

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Marion Ross (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Arthur Hunkins

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate structural procedure in selected works of Edgard Varese. As a point of departure, the study takes two statements of Varese concerning structure. First, Varese says that form, in his music, is the result of a process. Secondly, he draws an analogy between the formation of his works and the formation of crystal—i.e., that like crystal, his works evolve from a single idea, which is the basis of the internal structure. He also feels that, like crystal formations, possible musical forms are limitless. With these ideas in mind, the study analyzes three works: Integrals, Octandre, and Ionization. The result of analysis indicates that each work does have at its core a brief and compact musical idea which this paper calls the nucleus. The nucleus is then both fragmented and expanded, a process that results in all manner of geometrical shapes or designs.* These different manifestations of the nucleus are arranged in a series of episodic variations, which compose the body of the work.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1973
Subjects
Vare`se, Edgard, $d 1883-1965 $x Criticism and interpretation

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