On non-chord tone generalized interval systems in music analysis

• Author / Creator

  Miersma, Christopher

• Non-chord tone generalized interval systems are a music theoretical tool for analyzing the roles and functions of non-chord tones in music, independent of the methods used to label non-chord tones. Based on David Lewin's GIS, they provide a way to conceptualize changes in textural and motivic patterns of non-chord tones in terms of intervals. The formal framework of transformational theory also provides a number of analytical tools that can be adapted to the analysis of non-chord tones, as well as the capacity to develop new specialized analytical tools to fit analytical requirements. As a practical demonstration of the potential of non-chord tone generalized interval systems and some related transformations, two analytical essays are included: a statistical analysis of Mozart's variations on “Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman,” K. 265, and a motivic analysis of Brahms's String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, op. 51, no. 2.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Transformational theory
  • Non-chord tone

• Graduation date

  Fall 2011

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Arts

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3CH0F

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.