Analysis of a musical work: example, theoretical foundations, analysis technique

The word “analysis” translated from Greek means “decomposition”, “dismemberment”. Musically - theoretical analysis of a work is a scientific study of music, which includes:

  1. Study of style and form.
  2. Definition of a musical language.
  3. A study of how important these elements are for expressing the semantic content of a work and their interaction with each other.

An example of the analysis of a musical work is a method that is based on the division of a single whole into small parts. In contrast to the analysis, synthesis is taking place - a technique that involves combining individual elements into a common one. These two concepts are closely related to each other, since only their combination leads to a deep understanding of any phenomenon.

Why do we need analysis.

This also applies to the analysis of a musical work, which ultimately should lead to a generalization and a clearer understanding of the object.

The meaning of the term

There is a wide and narrow use of the term.

1. An analytical study of any musical phenomenon, patterns:

  • structure of major or minor;
  • principle of harmonic function;
  • metro rhythmic standards for a particular style;
  • laws of composition of a musical work as a whole.

In this sense, musical analysis is combined with the concept of “theoretical musicology”.

2. The study of any musical unit within one specific work. This is a narrow but more common definition.

Theoretical basis

In the XIX century there was an active formation of this musical section. Many musicologists with their literary works provoked the active development of the analysis of musical works:

1. A. B. Marx “Ludwig Beethoven. Life and art". This creation, written in the first half of the 19th century, was one of the first examples of the monograph, which included an analysis of musical works.

2. H. Riemann "Guide to the composition of the fugue", "Beethoven's Bow Quartets." This German musicologist created the doctrine of harmony, form and meter. Based on it, he deepened the theoretical methods of analysis of musical works. His analytical works were of great importance for progress in this musical direction.

3. The work of G. Kretschmar "Guide to concerts" helped to develop theoretical and aesthetic methods of analysis in Western European musicology.

4. A. Schweitzer in his literary creation “I. S. Bach ” considered the musical works of composers in three common aspects of analysis:

  • theoretical;
  • performing;
  • aesthetic.

5. In his three-volume monograph “Beethoven” P. Becker analyzes the sonatas and symphonies of the greatest composer with the help of their poetic idea.

6. H. Leuchtentritt, “The Doctrine of Musical Form”, “Analysis of Chopin's Piano Works”. The authors conducts a competent combination of a high scientific and theoretical level of analysis and imaginative characteristics with aesthetic evaluations.

7. A. Lorenz "Secrets of form at Wagner." In this literary work, the writer conducts research based on a detailed analysis of the operas of the German composer R. Wagner. Establishes new types and sections of the analysis of the forms of a musical work: synthesizing stage and musical patterns.

8. The most important example of the development of analysis in a musical work is the works of the French musicologist and public figure R. Rolland. These include the work “Beethoven. Great creative era. " Rolland analyzes music of various genres in the composer's work: symphonies, sonatas and operas. Creates his own unique analytical method, which is based on poetic, literary metaphors and associations. Such a method goes beyond the strict boundaries of musical theory in favor of a free understanding of the semantic content of the subject of art.

This technique will subsequently have a great influence on the development of the analysis of musical works in the USSR and in the West.

Russian musicology

In the XIX century, along with the advanced trends of social thought, an intensive development took place in general in the field of musicology and in musical analysis in particular.

Russian musicologists and critics directed their efforts to confirm the thesis: in every musical work a certain idea is expressed, some thoughts and feelings are conveyed. For the sake of this, all works of art are created.

A. D. Ulybyshev

One of the first to prove himself was the first Russian music writer and activist A. D. Ulybyshev. Thanks to his writings Beethoven, His Critics and Interpreters, and Mozart's New Biography, he left a noticeable mark on the history of critical thought.

Both of these literary creations include analysis with critical and aesthetic appreciation of many musical works.

V.F. Odoevsky

Not being a theorist, the Russian writer turned to the domestic musical art. His critical journalistic works are filled with aesthetic analysis of many works - mainly operas written by M. I. Glinka.

Russian critics.

A. N. Serov

The composer and critic gave rise to the method of thematic analysis in the Russian theory of music. His essay “The Role of One Motive in the Entire Opera“ Life for the Tsar ”” contains examples of musical text with which A. N. Serov studied the formation of the final choir and its themes. In the basis of its formation, according to the author, lies the maturation of the main patriotic idea of ​​the opera.

Alexander Nikolayevich Serov

The article “Thematism of the Leonora Overture” contains a study of the connection between the themes of the overture and opera by L. Beethoven.

Other Russian progressive musicologists and critics are also known. For example, B. L. Yavorsky, who created the theory of mode of rhythm and introduced many new ideas into a comprehensive analysis.

Types of analysis

The most important thing in the analysis is to establish the laws of development of the work. After all, music is a temporary phenomenon that reflects the events that occur during its development.

Types of analysis of a musical work:

1. Thematic.

A musical theme is one of the most important forms of embodiment of an artistic image. This type of analysis is a comparison, the study of topics and the whole thematic development.

Types of analysis.

In addition, it helps determine the genre origins of each topic, since each individual genre involves an individual circle of expressive means. Having determined which genre underlies, one can more accurately understand the semantic content of the work.

2. Analysis of the individual elements that are used in this work:

  • meter;
  • rhythm;
  • fret;
  • timbre;
  • dynamics;

3. Harmonic analysis of a musical work (examples and a more detailed description will be given below).

4. Polyphonic.

This view implies:

  • consideration of musical texture as a specific way of presentation;
  • analysis of melody - the simplest single category, which contains the first unity of the artistic means of expression.
Meter, rhythm, dynamics.

5. Performing.

6. Analysis of the compositional form. It consists in the search for type and form, as well as in the study of comparisons of themes and development.

7. Integrated. Also, this example of the analysis of a musical work is called holistic. It is based on the analysis of the form of the composition, while combining it with the analysis of all components, their interaction and development as a whole. The highest goal of this type of analysis is the study of a work as a socio-ideological phenomenon, coupled with all historical ties. He is on the verge of the theory and history of musicology.

Regardless of what kind of analysis is performed, it is necessary to find out the historical-stylistic and genre prerequisites.

Analysis plan.

All types of analysis include temporary, artificial abstraction, separation of a particular element from others. This must be done in order to conduct an objective study.

Why do we need musical analysis?

It can serve different purposes. For instance:

  1. The study of the individual elements of a work of musical language is used in textbooks and theoretical works. In scientific research, such components of music and the laws of compositional form undergo a comprehensive analysis.
  2. Excerpts from examples of the analysis of musical works can serve as proof of something when presenting general theoretical problems (the deductive method) or bringing the audience to general conclusions (inductive method).
  3. As part of a monographic study that focuses on a particular composer. This concerns a concise form of a holistic analysis of a musical work according to a plan with examples, which is an integral part of historical and stylistic research.

Plan

1. Preliminary general inspection. It includes:

a) observation of the type of form (three-part, sonata, etc.);

b) drawing up a digital diagram of the form in general terms, without details, but with the name of the main topics or parts and their location;

c) analysis of a musical work according to plan with examples of all the main parts;

d) the definition of the functions of each part in the form (middle, period, etc.);

e) the study of the development of which elements is given special attention to how they develop (repeated, compared, varied, etc.);

f) the search for answers to questions, where is the climax (if any), in what ways is it achieved;

g) determination of the thematic composition, its homogeneity or contrast; what is his character, by what means he is achieved;

h) the study of the tonal structure and cadences with their ratio, isolation or openness;

i) determination of the type of presentation;

j) the preparation of a detailed digital diagram with the characteristics of the structure, the most important points of summation and fragmentation, the length of the breath (long or short), the properties of proportions.

2. Comparison of the main parts specifically in:

  • tempo uniformity or contrast;
  • altitude profile in general terms, the ratio of climax to dynamic pattern;
  • characterization of general proportions;
  • thematic subordination, uniformity and contrast;
  • tonal subordination;
  • the characteristic of the whole, the degree of typicality of the form, in the fundamentals of its structure.

Harmonic analysis of a piece of music

As mentioned above, this type of analysis is one of the most important.

To understand how to make an analysis of a musical work (using an example), you need to have certain skills. Namely:

  • understanding and ability to harmoniously generalize a specific passage on the logic of functional movement and palatonality;
  • the ability to connect the properties of the harmonic warehouse with the nature of the music and the individual characteristics of the work or composer;
  • the correct explanation of all harmonic facts: chords, cadences, voice guidance.

Executive analysis

This type of analysis includes:

  1. Search for information about the author and the piece of music itself.
  2. Style representations.
  3. Definition of artistic content and character, images and associations.

Strokes, tricks of the game and means of articulation are also an important component of the given example of performing analysis of a musical work.

Vocal music

Choral music.

Musical works in the vocal genre need a special analysis method, which differs from instrumental forms. What is the difference between the musical and theoretical analysis of a choral work? An example plan is given below. Vocal musical forms require their own method of analysis, different from the approach to instrumental forms.

It is necessary:

  1. Define the genre of the literary source and the musical work itself.
  2. Explore the expressive and graphic details of the choir part and instrumental accompaniment and literary text.
  3. To study the differences between the original words in stanzas and lines with a changed structure in music.
  4. Determine the musical meter and rhythm, observing the rules of alternance (alternating rhymes) and squareness (non-squareness).
  5. To conclude.


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