Dissertation Index
Author: Leong, Daphne Title: A Theory of Time-Spaces for the Analysis of Twentieth-Century Music: Applications to the Music of Bela Bartok Institution: Eastman School of Music Begun: February 1998 Completed: April 1999 Abstract: Despite the complex and multi-dimensional nature of rhythm in non-serial music of the twentieth-century, existing formal theoretical literature on rhythm in this repertoire tends to focus on only one aspect of rhythmic structure, while analytical approaches generally employ eclectic methodologies. This dissertation presents a theory of time-spaces that seeks to address the multi-faceted nature of twentieth-century rhythm in a consistent manner. Drawing on the work of David Lewin, Elizabeth West Marvin, Robert Morris, and Yayoi Uno, the study defines ten interrelated temporal spaces (termed u-time, modu-time, modu-space, m-time, mod-time, mod-space, vdur-space, idur-space, cidur-space, and t-space), segments within the spaces, and transformations on these segments. The spaces provide a formal way of viewing diverse rhythmic aspects of a set of articulations, while the transformations provide a way of observing the changes made between related sets of articulations. An introduction provides an overview of literature on rhythmic theory, analysis, and compositional theory. Issues relevant to the application of the theory of time-spaces (segmentation, meter, polyphony, and perception) are then approached through discussion and incorporation of relevant literature and methodologies. The theory is then applied to four of Bartok's chamber works--the Second Violin Sonata, the Fifth String Quartet, the Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, and Contrasts for Violin, Clarinet and Piano--to reveal characteristic rhythmic structures and transformations, their role in defining form, and their close connection to pitch/pitch-class structure. Wider application of the theory is demonstrated through analyses of passages from Igor Stravinsky, Elliott Carter, and Conlon Nancarrow. The strengths and weaknesses of the theory are then assessed and its implications explored. Keywords: rhythm, time, temporal spaces, time-spaces, meter, transformation, Bartok, segment TOC: I. INTRODUCTION Overview of rhythm literature Theory Analysis Composition II. THEORY Temporal spaces and segments Related issues and literature Segmentation Meter Polyphony Perception Equivalence and similarity measures Transformations and equivalence classes Permutations Transformations in each time-space "String" transformations III. ANALYSIS Background Rhythm in Bartok Bartok on rhythm Bela Bartok Second Violin Sonata Fifth String Quartet Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion Contrasts for Violin, Clarinet, and Piano IV. FURTHER APPLICATIONS Igor Stravinsky, Elliott Carter, Conlon Nancarrow V. ASSESSMENT OF THE THEORY Contact: Daphne Leong 10 Manhattan Sq. Dr., #9Q Rochester, New York 14607 daphne@theory.esm.rochester.edu tel: (716) 546-5365 fax: (716) 274-1088 |