26th Annual Student Research Conference
Thematic Transformation in "Kyrie" from Frank Martin's Mass for Double Choir
Christopher M. Thomas♦
Dr. Warren Gooch, Faculty Mentor
Swiss composer Frank Martin (1890-1974) experienced strong religious and musical influences from a young age. These influences, initially coming from family members, directed Martin's musical maturation, as his compositional style developed continuously over his lifetime. His Mass for Double Choir (1922-1926) displays many musical qualities indicative of Martin's evolving compositional craft. Thematic transformation is the key compositional technique employed in the Kyrie from the Mass. Themes are manipulated by augmentation, diminution, transposition, and addition and subtraction of notes. Sometimes themes are presented in abbreviated forms, thus foreshadowing upcoming musical events. At other times elements from previous themes combine to create new themes. In conjunction with text, themes frequently indicate the arrival of new sections. Analysis reveals the overall form, motivic and tonal structure, and other important aspects of the composition.
Keywords: Choir, Mass, Frank Martin, Composer, Music, Thematic Transformation
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 103-2
Location: OP 2117
Time: 8:15