Motivic Transformation

Small homework assignment from my sophomore theory class. The exercise was to take a pattern of notes – a “motif” – and spin it into an entire piece, by writing it backwards, forwards, higher, lower, in a different rhythm, etc. Hence the title of the assignment, “Motivic Transformation.”

I use a few motifs, but my main motif is only 4 notes long. To the composers out there: remember that one small idea can take you very far, so if you’re stuck, recycle!

A Taste of the Dark Side: Music from the 20th Century

Not too long ago, one of my friends asked me to recommend some classical music that “wasn’t puppies and rainbows.” Inspired by this little interaction (and feeling a little huffy that the Bartók I sent in response was too much to handle) I wanted to share some of my favorite 20th century works, an era notorious in my theory classes for its “dark” qualities.

Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 8: III. Allegretto
(1960)

Shostakovich dedicated this string quartet to the victims of totalitarianism in Russia. As with much of his music, it’s both beautiful and grotesque. Performed by the Kronos Quartet.

Igor Stravinsky
Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring): Act II – “Cercles Mystérieux des Adolescentes” and “Glorification de l'Elue”
(1913)

The Rite of Spring is a ballet about a primitive ritual, in which a young girl dances herself to death in sacrifice. It’s a staple of 20th century music, and caused a riot on its opening night in 1913.

Bela Bartók
String Quartet No. 4: I. Allegro
(1927)

We studied this quartet in my third year of college, as an example of arch form and a different way to approach tonality. Performed by the Takács Quartet.

Arnold Schoenberg
Pierrot Lunaire (Moonstruck Pierre): Part II - VIII. Die Nacht
(1912)

Performed by Christine Schäfer.

George Crumb
Black Angels: I. Departure
(1970)

Crumb composed Black Angels for electric string quartet, influenced by the Vietnam War. The opening part is called “Threnody I: Night of the Electric Insects.” Performed by the Kronos Quartet.