The Unmeasured Prelude for Harpsichord
in France in the 17th and 18th Centuries, between Continuity and Discretization:
Music Analysis of Shape and Structure The unmeasured prelude is perhaps the perfect example of the necessary
back-and-forth between continuity and discretization, since it is written
down, to be sure, but rhythmically unfixed. Musicians agree on certain
conventions – for example a succession of adjacent notes form a triad – but
its sole construction would connect it to the improvised nature of what will
later lead to the rhapsody. Indeed, the unmeasured prelude leaves some
latitude to the musician’s freedom in the field of interpretation. However,
without analysis, there is no possibility for a musical work. The prelude’s
unity depends on its components, their function and their articulation. The
analysis is used to give a direction to the prelude’s realization. Thus, a
structure of the score appears and gives birth to the work. |
Programme > Session 4D: Form/Structure and Continuity/Discretization: What Principles for Music Analysis Today? >