Performance medium as a compositional determinant: A study of selected works in three genres by Mozart. (Volumes I and II).
Item
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Title
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Performance medium as a compositional determinant: A study of selected works in three genres by Mozart. (Volumes I and II).
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Identifier
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AAI9111460
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identifier
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9111460
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Creator
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Gagne, David W.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Carl E. Schachter
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Date
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1988
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Music
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Abstract
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This dissertation explores those aspects of structure and design that result from the general character of the instrument or instruments for which the work was composed--i.e. it examines ways in which the performance medium may condition the nature of a piece. While analytical and stylistic research has focused on one or more specific musical characteristics shared by all types of compositions--such as rhythm, texture, contrast, form, thematic material, and harmonic language--no previous study has investigated the influence of the performance medium on a variety of aspects of form and design in a comparative analysis of works from different genres. This question is addressed through the analysis of works in three contrasting performance media: piano sonata, string quartet, and symphony. For stylistic consistency a single composer has been chosen: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.;Three sonata-allegro movements in each genre, all composed between 1780 and 1785, are examined in detail from the analytical viewpoint developed by Heinrich Schenker. Elements of design that may be affected by the genre are explored, including texture, articulation, melodic design, register, dynamics, phrase structure, and rhythm. The nature of form, harmonic structure and prolongations, voice leading, motivic structure, and chromaticism are also considered. The study seeks to go beyond the more obvious types of relationships, and to explore in depth elements of the compositional process that are directly or indirectly related to the performance medium. The influence of other genres is also considered when relevant.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
