26th Annual Student Research Conference
Neoclassicism in Ravel's Pavane pour une Infante Defunte
Jonathon B. McAlister♦
Dr. Warren Gooch, Faculty Mentor
Maurice Ravel's Pavane pour une Infante Defunte is considered to be an example of musical impressionism. However, beneath its impressionistic surface, the piece is found to exhibit a clear sense of form and balance that points instead to Neoclassicism. This presentation will address some of the compositional techniques found in Maurice Ravel's Pavane pour une Infante Defunte and how they can be interpreted from a theoretical standpoint. While the piece shows an eclectic approach to compositional style, this discussion will focus on its Neoclassical attributes. These attributes, which include the prominent use of circle progressions and traditionally-positioned tonal centers, are revealed through the use of macro analysis.
Keywords: Maurice, Ravel, Neoclassicism, Music, Theory, Analysis
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 103-3
Location: OP 2117
Time: 8:30