Layered structures applied to creative processes in music

• Grant number: 10/15882-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2010
• End date: October 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Linguistics, Literature and Arts - Arts - Music
• Principal Investigator: Jose Augusto Mannis
• Grantee: Lucas Zewe Uriarte
• Host Institution: Instituto de Artes (IA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The compositional thought from layered structures can be observed for a long time in musical evolution, employed in various ways and different contexts. In the early polyphony, the voices - here taken as layers- were subordinated to each other by construction rules, wich were sometimes inflexible. Later, the composers in their works could conceive more or less independent layers, and even enlarge their scope to the temporal domain - in other words, to superpose in layers elements related to time (rhythm, meter, pulse, tempo) - or even to more complex structures. The main objective of thisstudy is to analyze the use and behavior of layered structures in one work by Ludwig VanBeethoven, by György Ligeti and by one of the composers of the period known as ArsSubtilior (end of XIV century). The methodology to be employed consists in analysis of theconcept of layers in different knowledge areas; establishment of analysis categories to beconsidered; selection of pieces from these categories; analysis and comparison of theworks in order to observe consonances (use of similar elements) and specificities. TheKnowledge produced on this research will be formulated as concepts, techniques and procedures of creative processes, and applied to the composition of a piece, wich will comprise some of the elements found.