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Title
Publication Date
2008-01-01
Availability
UM campus only
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Music (MM)
Department
Music Theory and Composition (Music)
Date of Defense
2007-04-20
First Committee Member
Lansing McLoskey - Committee Chair
Second Committee Member
Ferdinando De Sena - Committee Member
Third Committee Member
Melissa de Graaf - Committee Member
Abstract
Prägnanz is a single movement composition for orchestra. This composition reflects the influence of minimalist composers such as Phillip Glass and Steve Reich. The structure of the piece is generated by a rhythmic motive that is transformed through a large-scale additive process. This overarching process is periodically interrupted by contrasting episodes, creating a form similar to a rondo. Several themes and gestures are explored, including a phasing rhythmic motive. The harmonic language is static, almost monolithic, in order to accentuate the gradual motion of the piece towards its goal. The title comes from Gestalt psychology; the Law of Prägnanz describes how the mind perceives simplicity within the complexity of reality. This tendency is mirrored in the piece through the focus on the central motivic transformation in spite of the complexity of contrasting themes, orchestrations, and gestures.
Keywords
Pattern-pulse Music; Post-minimalism; Minimalism; Tonality By Assertion; Neotonality; Phasing; Additive Process; Music Inspired By Glass; Music Inspired By Reich; Prägnanz; Composition; Orchestra
Recommended Citation
Simpson, Robert R., "Prägnanz for Orchestra" (2008). Open Access Theses. 172.
https://scholarlyrepository.miami.edu/oa_theses/172