Day Thirteen--Stravinsky, Hanson,

We appreciate the report from Chris Bell on Stravinsky. Some biographical background provided a framework for an illustrious and prolific career of master composer Igor Stravinsky, a composer whose influence is not paralleled and whose output consists of virtually every form and genre conceived. We listened to Firebird Suite and discussed his early ballets. A brief mention of primitivism, new rhythms, sounds and colors, was followed by an abrupt change to Stravinsky's Neo-classicism.

Using classical themes, formal structure, and obvious tonality, Stravinsky spent the greater part of his compositional career writing Neo-classic music. Distinctly his own language but invoking a sense of the past, Stravinsky incorporated driving rhythms, concise expression, and fastidious orchestration as he galloped through the music. From large forms to piano music and chamber music, we find his creative genius. Among the pieces include Pulcinella Suite, Symphony in C, The Soldier's Tale, and Oedipus Rex. The Rakes Progress is considered by many to be a pinnacle of Stravinsky's neo-classicism.

As Stravinsky grew more mature, he turned to serialism for his compositional language with a free use of the 12-tone row concept. Agon, although serialized in construction, is uniquely Stravinsky, and although not as immediately accessible as his earlier music, it is masterful in construction and emotionally satisfying. His music, regardless of which phase you are hearing, is uniquely his with a clean, strident approach that seems calculated yet wonderfully creative at the same time. Using parallelism, exotic rhythms, harshness, and unpredictable shifts, Stravinsky's music seems to be standing the test of time. While some of it may fall into obscurity, most seems to stand on its own. His output includes ballets, chamber music, choral music, piano music, and theatrical elements. Quite a gifted composer and worth a lifetime of study.

Thanks Chris for your excellent report.

We spent a few minutes listening to Howard Hanson's Romantic Symphony No. 2, a wonderful work typical of Hanson's tonal style and ideal for today's modern film genre. Particular mention was made of the Hanson Chemistry Analysis system for music. This is based on the idea that composers lean on a certain sound or chemical make up for much of their music. Regardless of the voicing or combination of sounds, a particular chemistry of a chord retains its essential qualities. This is true in Stravinsky, Debussy, Brahms, Bartok, etc.

Keep in mind that while all systems of musical analysis are valid, none are without faults either. We are dealing with an art form that at times defies complete understanding. Yet the journey toward greater cognition of the creative process is worth the effort.

So what is your favorite Stravinsky piece? For me I think it is Petrushka although I really like Symphony of Psalms. I am probably moved the most by Oedipus Rex although in some ways the harshness of the story is disturbing.

Have your tests ready for Thursday. We will also hear a report on Copland. See you in class.