Octatonic, chromatic, modal, and symmetrical forms that supplant tonality in five piano preludes by Claude Debussy

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dc.contributor.advisorAntokoletz, Elliotten
dc.contributor.advisorAllen, Gregory, 1949-en
dc.creatorTobin, Anthony Aubreyen
dc.date.accessioned2011-04-27T21:55:22Zen
dc.date.available2011-04-27T21:55:22Zen
dc.date.issued2002-05en
dc.descriptiontexten
dc.description.abstractThis treatise identifies and clarifies pitch relations that have supplanted the tonal system in selected piano preludes by Claude Debussy. Interval cycles based on the equalization of the twelve chromatic tones, octatonic, pentatonic, whole-tone, chromatic, and modal structures forge unique relationships that render each prelude a self-contained system of reflexive elements. Debussy’s musical style represents an intermediary stage in the transition from purely tonal melody and accompaniment to purely abstract melodic and harmonic constructions. An important issue in each prelude is whether vestiges of tonality exist, and if so, whether the traces contain functional connotations. In addition, “hybrid” melodic/harmonic structures, rather than invoking one single pitch set, render the identity of seemingly fundamental forms ambiguous and open for interpretation. This treatise also explores the role of proportional schemes derived from the Golden Section ratios of Ernó Lendvai and the Fibonacci number series. In many instances, the formalized schemes resulting from these symbolic number relations in Debussy’s Préludes replace traditional formal structures. This study of the complex relations found in the Préludes is warranted because their means of progression and texture affected 20thcentury composers and contributed to the dissolution of the tonal system.
dc.description.departmentMusicen
dc.format.mediumelectronicen
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2152/11031en
dc.language.isoengen
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author. Presentation of this material on the Libraries' web site by University Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin was made possible under a limited license grant from the author who has retained all copyrights in the works.en
dc.rights.holderRestricteden
dc.subjectDebussy, Claude, 1862-1918. Preludes, piano. Selectionsen
dc.subjectMusical analysisen
dc.titleOctatonic, chromatic, modal, and symmetrical forms that supplant tonality in five piano preludes by Claude Debussyen
thesis.degree.departmentMusicen
thesis.degree.disciplineMusicen
thesis.degree.grantorThe University of Texas at Austinen
thesis.degree.levelDoctoralen
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Musical Artsen

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