Thesis
Harmonic retention for Sinfonietta
University of Iowa
Master of Arts (MA), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
DOI: 10.25820/etd.008017
Abstract
Harmonic Retention explores the multitude of colors that are possible in a chamberorchestra setting, through the lens of cluster harmony. My approach to using tone clusters is
influenced by twentieth-century atonal practice—a cluster is interpreted as a set of pitches that
can be used melodically or harmonically. It may also be registrally spread through octave
displacement—in this way, the harmony may be tightly dissonant, or clashes may span a broader
vertical terrain. Beyond chords, Harmonic Retention also uses timbre to add color and glissandi to
smear the pitch palette, and a nonstandard formal layout (a faster A section, followed by a slower
B section). While these details are technical, the harmony, timbre, and form should combine to
take the listener on an imaginative, colorful path through an adventurous sonic landscape.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Harmonic retention for Sinfonietta
- Creators
- Jeffrey Martin
- Contributors
- Jean-François Charles (Advisor)David Gompper (Committee Member)Sam Young (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (MA), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Music
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.008017
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- iii, 29 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2024 Jeffrey Martin
- Language
- English
- Date submitted
- 04/22/2025
- Public Abstract (ETD)
harmonic retention explores the multitude of colors that are possible in a chamber orchestra setting, through the lens of cluster harmony. My approach to using pitch clusters is influenced by twentieth-century compositional practice—the cluster can serve as a chord or a scale. Pitches can also be moved up or down an octave, reducing or removing the crunchiness of a cluster. Beyond chords, harmonic retention also uses sound color, pitch sliding, and a nonstandard formal layout (a faster A section, followed by a slower B section). These details are technical and introspective, but they should combine to take the listener on an imaginative, colorful path through an adventurous, abstract sonic landscape.
- Academic Unit
- School of Music
- Record Identifier
- 9984831023102771
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