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University of South Carolina

Musical Humor and Beethoven's Symphonic Scherzi

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This study will examine the lasting effects of musical humor, exemplified by the symphonic Scherzi of Beethoven. In toying with expectations derived from established Classical Period models, Beethoven helped change formal and structural traditions. This change is apparent in the compositional choices made by future composers who emulated his clever manipulation of conventional patterns. After discussing the nature of musical humor, this study will examine Classical precedents, and the development and extensive imitation of Beethoven's symphonic Scherzo. Once the wit and humor of Beethoven's Scherzi became standard methods of composition, the amusing qualities were stripped away as the unexpected became expected. However, the imitation and replication of Beethoven's humorous techniques shifted the perceived boundaries of the stylistic traditions, and a new paradigm was formed.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
D.M.A.
Level thesis:degree_level
Campus Access Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
School of Music
Year
2012

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Kay, Peter B.
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Reginald Bain

Subjects

dc:subject × 9

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • © 2012, Peter B. Kay

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/1628
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:scholarcommons.sc.edu:etd-2629

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of South Carolina
Base URL
scholarcommons.sc.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Kay, Peter B.. Musical Humor and Beethoven's Symphonic Scherzi. Campus Access Thesis thesis, 2012. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/1628