THE COMPOSER'S APPROACH TO THE SYMPHONIC POEM
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Date
2009-11
Authors
Pemberton, Alec
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
The symphonic poem is a term we often apply quite liberally to orchestral works.
Because of this, we have grouped together many very different pieces of music, each
with extremely unique qualities. If we choose to study any of the many numerous
symphonic poems, we find that each composer approaches the work with a specific
purpose in mind and accomplishes his task with particular techniques. More
importantly, we find that the composer's distinctive approach has significant
consequences for the listener. My research compares two symphonic poems to prove
these points, Sergei Rachmaninoff's The Isle of the Dead Op.29 and The Poem of
Ecstasy Op.54 by Alexander Scriabin. In the first we find that Rachmaninoff creates
the symphonic poem and all of its defining features using more traditional techniques. In the second composition, I will argue that Scriabin chooses to abandon convention
and instead develops a product unlike any preceding programmatic work. My most profound argument states that one of these approaches fulfills the common goal of a
symphonic poem, that is to narrate a clear and complete story, while the other does
not.
Description
47 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Music and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Science, Fall 2009.
Keywords
Symphonic poem, Alexander Scriabin, Sergei Rachmaninoff