The symbolism of death in Arnold van Wyk's Five Elegies : an application of William Kimmel's theory concerning the Phrygian inflection.
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Date
1991
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Abstract
Arnold van Wyk (1916 - 1983) frequently referred to the
extramusical concepts of the elegiac, and of mournfulness,
introspection and death when describing the intended
content of his works. The import of these concepts seems
to have been a constant element spanning his entire oeuvre.
In this dissertation, William Kimmel's theory concerning
the Phrygian Inflection and the Appearance of Death in
Music is applied to Van Wyk's Five Elegies for String
Quartet. Kimmel's theory is applied to the following
parameters of each of the Five Elegies: melody, harmony
and structure. In addition. the elements of rhythm,
pulse, texture and timbre are investigated. Since Van
Wyk often linked the concepts of death and protest, an
interpretation of the work as music of protest is included
in the final chapter of the study. It is concluded that Kimmel's theory has
substantial--although not conclusive--validity in terms of
the work under study. It is moreover possible to trace
the inflection's presence through the parameters of pulse,
rhythm, texture and timbre. In the absence of specific
indications by the composer of the substance of the intended
protest, observations in this regard are of a
speculative nature.
Description
Thesis (M.Mus.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1991.
Keywords
Van Wyk, Arnold, 1916-1983. String quartets., Van Wyk, Arnold, 1916-1983--Criticism and interpretation., Death in music., Theses--Music.