Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


akron1271353110.pdf (2.86 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A Historical and Analytical Examination of Graphic Systems of Notation in Twentieth-Century Music

Lewis, Kevin D.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1271353110

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Music, University of Akron, Music-History and Literature.
This document will concentrate on notational methods of twentieth century music that depart from the traditional European system of musical notation with a focus mainly on newly invented graphical means of notation. Musical examples will be explored based on historical relevance and/or innovative usage. Styles of notation and each musical parameter will be categorized with the aim of understanding how and why graphic notation is used and in ascertaining possibilities of realization in performance. It should be noted that the expression “graphic notation” is misleading and could be literally interpreted to include any music that is transmitted via any type of written score (that is, one not conveyed from composer to performer by aural techniques, recordings, or rote teaching); the terms use will instead refer to pictorial notations and any that deviate from traditional notational practices, as this is the standard usage in academic and performing circles. Excluded from categorization and extensive examination in this study are all musical systems and styles that developed mostly or entirely independent of European art music, including jazz and the music’s of non-western cultures. Being as these styles differ so greatly in cultural, artistic, and aesthetic priorities, it does not seem necessary or appropriate to discuss them in this context. Also excluded are systems of tablature or methods of notating electronic music, since in the former the notation is simply a manner of physical and kinesthetic instruction which provides only basic musical direction, and in the latter the notation is a secondary product of the music and is not responsible for its creation or performance. Lastly, though there have been literally hundreds of proposals for entirely new systems of musical notation, they will not be discussed here in great detail due to their purpose of replacing the existing system of traditional notation in order to improve readability and not to contribute to new concepts or techniques. It is hoped that this study will help the reader to gain a greater understanding of graphically notated compositions, better comprehend the composer’s intentions, and to confirm his/her own choices in the performance of such works.
Brooks Toliver, Dr. (Advisor)
Larry Snider, Dr. (Other)
74 p.
Fine Arts; History; Music
musical notation; pictographic notation; graphic notation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lewis, K. D. (2010). A Historical and Analytical Examination of Graphic Systems of Notation in Twentieth-Century Music [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1271353110

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lewis, Kevin. A Historical and Analytical Examination of Graphic Systems of Notation in Twentieth-Century Music. 2010. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1271353110.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lewis, Kevin. "A Historical and Analytical Examination of Graphic Systems of Notation in Twentieth-Century Music." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1271353110

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1271353110
2,570
© 2010, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.