Polymeter: disambiguation, classification, and analytical techniques

Rundall, Jacob D.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/24474 Copy

Description

Title

Polymeter: disambiguation, classification, and analytical techniques

Author(s)

Rundall, Jacob D.

Issue Date

2011-05-25T14:24:37Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Taube, Heinrich K.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Taube, Heinrich K.

Committee Member(s)

• Lund, Erik R.
• Magee, Gayle Sherwood
• Tharp, Reynold

Department of Study

Music

Discipline

Music

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

A.Mus.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• meter
• musical meter
• polymeter
• musical polymeter
• polymeter classification
• classification of polymeter
• classification of musical polymeter
• non-isochronous meter
• rhythm
• polyrhythm
• polytempo
• polymeter representation
• representation of polymeter
• representation of musical polymeter

Abstract

This dissertation defines musical polymeter in relation to a theory of meter as a hierarchical structure. It also disambiguates polymeter from related concepts and defines a complete classification of polymetric possibilities using a thorough, analytical approach. The system accommodates both isochronous and non-isochronous meters and classifies polymetric structures based on the relationships between corresponding levels in the component meters. Such levels are related by factors such as proportionality, coincidence, and periodicity. The classification is created by first constructing a list of all conceivable combinations of relationships between corresponding metrical levels and then eliminating those arrangements that are impossible. The system is illustrated with numerous figures. A concise labeling system is also provided. The final chapter of this work presents various analytical techniques, including graphical and quantitative methods. This system handles all different kinds of coordinated polymeter in one conceptual framework. It also suggests an organized approach to composing with polymeter and provides polymetric configurations that may not have been previously explored by composers and theorists.

Graduation Semester

2011-05

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/24474

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2011 Jacob D. Rundall

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