Date of Award

Spring 2010

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Music (MM)

Department

Music

Abstract

Since the first use of metric modulation in 1948, this technique has become a staple in Elliott Carter's rhythmic language and compositional process, being found in most of his compositions thereafter. Though most scholars share a general understanding of metric modulation, the different processes that achieve it and its functions are not documented. This thesis will compare and contrast some definitions of metric modulation, formulate a new definition, identify four different types of metric modulation, and explore four ways in which a metric modulation may function in a composition. At the end of said thesis, the usefulness of these types and functions will be demonstrated in an original analysis of Shard for Guitar Alone.

Download

Included in

Music Commons

Share

COinS