23rd Annual Student Research Conference
Scattered Memories: An Introduction to Set Theory and the Development of a Composition
John R. Freese♦
Dr. Warren Gooch, Faculty Mentor
Beginning in the early twentieth century, composers of concert music began to abandon the traditional tonal system that had been employed from approximately 1600 to 1900. New ways of composing and new ways of analyzing music emerged. Set theory was one of those ways. Set theory is an analytical process that organizes the pitch content of a composition by categorizing pitch classes and arranging them into number series. Scattered Memories, a composition for solo classical guitar by this presenter, can be understood through the use of set theory. The composition begins with the pitches E, D#, and B, comprising the set class (0,1,5). A series of permutations of this set trace the development and creation of the composition from this initial idea to the completed work. The presentation will explore the use of this set class throughout the composition. A performance of the composition will be included with the presentation.
Keywords: set theory, composition, classical guitar, post-tonal, analysis, music
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 4-5
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 9:00