Transformation Chains, Associative Areas, and a Principle of Form for Anton Webern's Twelve-tone Music. (12th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moseley, Brian
• Is Part Of: Music theory spectrum. Volume 41:Number 2(2019:Autumn)
• Page Start: 218
• Page End: 243
• Publication Date: 2019-06-12
• Subjects: Webern -- twelve-tone music -- transformation theory -- musical form -- transformation chains -- complementation -- associative organization -- musical spaces -- Cantata -- Op. 31 -- String Quartet -- Op. 28 -- Piano Variations -- Op. 27 -- Quartet -- Op. 22; Music theory -- Periodicals; Music theory; Periodicals; 781.05
• DOI: 10.1093/mts/mtz010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6167

Abstract

Abstract: Much of Webern's twelve-tone music relies on conventional formal types to structure extended composition and long-range compositional strategy. This article describes how these forms were absorbed into his personal twelve-tone style through an exploration of three entwined techniques. His techniques of serial row chaining and associative organization create a deep musical hierarchy that is frequently navigated by a formal principle of large-scale complementation. The analyses appearing here are drawn from across Webern's twelve-tone period and are elucidated through spatial representations that describe compositional potential and musical realization. In addition to providing a means for analytical interpretation, the analyses reveal how Webern's fusion of form and twelve-tone technique resemble characteristics of the tonal system while amplifying basic axioms of serial composition.