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Magdelena KressThesis Edits.pdf (571.85 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Vasovagal Syncope

Kress, Magdalena
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1395395140

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Music (MM), Bowling Green State University, Music Composition.
Vasovagal Syncope is a single movement composition for orchestra that is approximately six minutes in length. This piece musically represents the physical sensations of vasovagal syncope (passing out) with gestures, timbre, and textures. The pitch material for each of the three sections of this composition is drawn from an eight-note chord [C Eb G B F# A C# E#] that is comprised of a C minor-major seventh chord plus the same chord transposed by a tritone. The harmonic and melodic material utilizes different transpositions of this chord, and different voicings of each of the transpositions. The first section follows a melodic line that travels through the full range of the woodwinds and strings, with subtle interjections by the keyboard percussion. The occurrences of repeated notes and attacks represent the external force that is `triggering' a vasovagal response. The melodic line begins to deconstruct as it leads into the next section, as if one's body is beginning to react to the trigger. The middle section of this piece has a slower tempo and introduces longer note durations. The deconstructed material from the end of the first section morphs into a busy, yet repetitive string pizzicato texture. Some fragments of the melodic material from the first section return, but the notes are held at certain points in the different voices to reflect dizziness. Bowed percussion is also added to this section to represent tinnitus (ears ringing). The third section is a series of overlapping chords with staggered entrances that represent the feverish feeling and sensation of impending `doom' that occur when loss of consciousness is inevitable. The orchestration shifts from muted brass, softer woodwinds, and string harmonics at a low dynamic level, to the unmuted full brass section along with woodwinds and percussion at fortississimo when the climax arrives. This section fades quickly into a static sul ponticello tremolo chord in the strings, which is ultimately indicative of the total loss of consciousness.
Marilyn Shrude (Advisor)
Christopher Dietz (Committee Member)
31 p.
Composition; Music
music composition; orchestra; vasovagal syncope; syncope

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Kress, M. (2014). Vasovagal Syncope [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1395395140

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Kress, Magdalena. Vasovagal Syncope. 2014. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1395395140.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Kress, Magdalena. "Vasovagal Syncope." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1395395140

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1395395140
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This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.