Identifying French Compositional Styles: Subtlety Through Familiarity

<p>In this study, I examine two French berceuses for violin and piano to identify common compositional traits, specifically subtlety and familiarity in rhythm and harmony. Both Fauré's <em>Berceuse</em> (1878-9) and Ravel's <em>Berceuse sur le nom de Gabriel Faur</em>é (1922) are representative of small form pieces written by French composers; in addition, the relationship of the two works is particularly striking as Fauré was Ravel's teacher. The similarities of genre and instrumentation, coupled with 40 years of separation provides a unique setting to examine aspects of French compositional practices over time. The introduction of my thesis outlines aspects of diversity within French music. The following chapters analyze traditional and extended tonality, melody, and mode, framing each discussion in the context of the small form. Here, the analytic techniques engage each composers approach towards harmonic overlap and harmonic movement. The results reveal that through surface simplicity, or familiarity in rhythm, phrase, structure, and harmony, each composer achieves a unique subtlety of harmony and harmonic movement.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2017

Author dc:creator

• Kinsey, Brandon

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kristin Taavola, Ph.D.
• Mitchell Ohriner
• Gregory Robbins

• Music
• French compositional style
• Fauré
• Ravel
• Rhythm
• Harmony

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1302

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-2302