Polymeter: disambiguation, classification, and analytical techniques

This dissertation defines musical polymeter in relation to a theory of meter as a hierarchical structure. It also disambiguates polymeter from related concepts and defines a complete classification of polymetric possibilities using a thorough, analytical approach. The system accommodates both isochronous and non-isochronous meters and classifies polymetric structures based on the relationships between corresponding levels in the component meters. Such levels are related by factors such as proportionality, coincidence, and periodicity. The classification is created by first constructing a list of all conceivable combinations of relationships between corresponding metrical levels and then eliminating those arrangements that are impossible. The system is illustrated with numerous figures. A concise labeling system is also provided. The final chapter of this work presents various analytical techniques, including graphical and quantitative methods. This system handles all different kinds of coordinated polymeter in one conceptual framework. It also suggests an organized approach to composing with polymeter and provides polymetric configurations that may not have been previously explored by composers and theorists.

Name thesis:degree_name

A.Mus.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Music

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Rundall, Jacob D.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Taube, Heinrich K.
• Lund, Erik R.
• Magee, Gayle Sherwood
• Tharp, Reynold

• meter
• musical meter
• polymeter
• musical polymeter
• polymeter classification
• classification of polymeter
• classification of musical polymeter
• non-isochronous meter
• rhythm
• polyrhythm
• polytempo
• polymeter representation
• representation of polymeter
• representation of musical polymeter

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 Jacob D. Rundall

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/24474

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/24474