Bart Vanhecke

Systematisation of dissonant, atonal and amotivic composition based on interval group serialism.

The doctoral research covers the theoretical and practical development and elaboration of a serial composition technique based on interval groups that yields systematic atonality and a controled high degree of dissonance whilst avoiding melodic motives. In order to achieve this result a systematical research has to be done into the nature of (the degree of) atonality and dissonance (and the relation between both) and into the concept of melodic motive. Pitch class set theory (as developed by Allen Forte) will play a central role in this research (together with mathematics). A shift from pitch class towards interval class will be necessary though. The theoretical research will then be implemented in the composition of systematically atonal, dissonant and amotivic music for diverse instrumental combinations, aiming for stylistic purity and a more consistent way of elaborating my personal aesthetic ideas.

key concepts : serial composition technique, interval groups, atonal, dissonant, amotivic

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