„Dynamiczne systemy” i dążenie do „stanu stabilności”. W kręgu kompozytorskich myśli
Journal Title: Teoria Muzyki. Studia, Interpretacje, Dokumentacje - Year 2018, Vol 12, Issue 12
Abstract
The starting point for this article involves reflection on the phenomenon of tonality as such, extending its meaning to include its aspects beyond the historical approach. This is possible by invoking the ancient Greek notion of “tonos” which, as understood by the Pre-Socratics, meant the force (principle) bonding all layers of being together. In order to relate this thought to music, I present the concept of tonality as the bonding force within the cosmos of occurrences of musical nature. In general, I tend to associate the phenomenon of “tonality” with the cognitive approach rather than merely a way of organizing the sound material. In the subsequent part of the article I reflect upon my own works, placing particular emphasis on the phenomenon of processuality in the context of dynamic systems and their states. I derive the very concept of dynamic system from Katarzyna Zahorodna’s definition, included in her publication The Problem of Mental Representation in Extended Cognitive Systems. In my considerations, I distance myself from issues connected with tonality. The only remaining point of reference is the concept of “tonos”, referring to the force, or rather forces, of binding individual sections of the form and, finally, of the whole composition. These forces are perceptible in the context of certain states of musical matter standing in opposition to each other. These states include the following ones: statics – process, clarity – obscurity, as well as various degrees of density of musical matter. It is within these states that a particular kind of gravitational field is created wherein processual phenomena occur. They occur on the linear, as well as the vertical layers, in the context of micro – as well as macro-forms. Due to the creation of higher order structures in orchestral works, processes of this type become more complex. In addition, they are influenced by my reflections on chaos as a complex system (SN 1993 J and Initial). The part of the article with my concluding arguments on the issue of dynamic systems includes my explanation of how they affect the shaping of time flow and the dramatic nature of the pieces. In this context, time becomes something of a metaphor and a trace of vital processes. However, the energy resulting from the activity of the sound substance forms a stimulus that initiates and supports perseverance. The article closes with a reflection on the issue of harmony as the state of internal balance. Hereby, I refer to Ancient Greek mythology, according to which harmony is the result of a dynamic, internally contrasting situation.
Authors and Affiliations
Bettina Skrzypczak
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP567936
- DOI 10.26377/22998454tm.18.12.025
- Views 101
- Downloads 0
W zadziwieniu i zadumie nad „pokoleniem 33”
The very title of the symposium, “The Generation of 33” is an imposition, indeed a provocation, to at least attempt a discussion of this generational common ground. This, in turn, makes one listen to and read the music o...
To jeszcze muzyka? O sztuce nowych mediów i twórczości elektroakustycznej
New media changed the world. Its rapid expansion influenced every aspect of life, including the shape of musical culture and artists’ awareness. Electronics based on analogue technologies – and later, digital ones – revo...
Oliviera Messiaena recepcja i adaptacja teologii i estetyki Tomasza z Akwinu
As Messiaen told interviewers, he began reading books on theology already as a teenager. Mystics like John of Ruusbroec, Thomas à Kempis, and Thomas Merton as well as saints like Francis of Assisi, Teresa of Ávila, John...
Grieg a Karłowicz
At the end of the 19th century Warsaw was fascinated with the music of Edvard Grieg (1843-1907). The composer visited the Polish capital in 1902 and 1903, when he performed his music as a conductor and pianist with the o...
Koncepcje teoretyczno-muzyczne jako czynnik przeszkadzający w rozumieniu muzyki
The history of music theory is based upon certain grand doctrines thought to be global and logically organized ideas. Their goal is to explain many empirical musical phenomena by way of primitive notions and a priori uni...