An Examination of the Role of Macro- and Micro-Level Processes in John Adams's Phrygian Gates

<p>The research presented in this thesis is an examination of processes at work on multiple levels within <em>Phrygian Gates</em> by John Adams. Previous analyses have presented detailed insights in specific areas, including proportion and temporality, closure, and the roles of process and intuition. This analysis draws from elements of other studies, expands upon them, and presents new research in pitch relationships and formal design in order to explore the interaction of those elements with regard to process and to present a comprehensive view of <em>Phrygian Gates</em>. </p> <p>Chapter 1 discusses <em>Phrygian Gates</em> in the context of John Adams's compositional output and presents a survey of relevant literature. Chapter 2 delves into processes at work on the macro level within the piece, focusing on relationships of sections and modules as well as those procedures that govern key areas. Chapter 3 discusses processes that operate on the micro level within <em>Phrygian Gates</italic, emphasizing phrase relationships, procedures that determine pitch content, and secondary parameters. The final section of chapter 3 presents deviations from Adams's own procedural scheme within the work and offers insights into the role of those deviations. Chapter 4 summarizes insights gleaned in this analysis and places processes at work in <em>Phrygian Gates</em> within the context of Adams's body of work. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Music (MM)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Music

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2013

Author dc:creator

• Evans, James Edward

• John Adams
• minimalism
• Phrygian Gates
• piano
• process music
• Music

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2013 James Edward Evans

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/163

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1162