“All Set” of Milton Babbitt: a study of creative techniques

• Main Authors: Cho-Yen Lee, 李卓燕
• Other Authors: Yu-Shu Chang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2003
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/63411079768723686988

碩士 === 東吳大學 === 音樂學系 === 94 === As Serialism arises after World War II in the twentieth century, serial techniques made a transition from twelve-tone music to integral serialism. A series was no longer restricted to the domain of pitch, but expanded to include duration, dynamics, tempo, register, and timbre. The contemporary composer Milton Babbitt (1916 –) is regarded as the pioneer of integral serialism in America. Through the analysis of Milton Babbitt’s piece “All Set, for Jazz Ensemble, 1957”, this thesis will explore the musical thinking and creative techniques of a composer’s piece, and serve as an initial step towards the fundamentals of a developing music theory. The Pitch-class Set analytic method will be used in this thesis. The technique is first employed by looking at the basics of pitch, then delving into what is hidden in the piece, apart from pitch, in the arrangement of musical elements. In addition to Babbitt’s mathematical background, the integration of mathematical concept and musical theory is evident in his pieces. His focus on logic and discipline has increased the sensibility of musical layers. For instance, he implemented aggregate and dimension from a mathematical point of view into his musical creativity, to liberate the musical thought which is otherwise full of the scientific spirit. Although Babbitt’s serial techniques originated from the early twelve-tone system, he has revolutionized the traditional barrier, allowing the use of musical elements to be optimized. In “All Set”, Babbitt has immersed the elements of Jazz music, including its specific style of instrumentation into the idea of musical composition. The composer has combined extreme and contrasting ends of musical types, one being serial music which represents seriousness and control of musical arrangement, the second being Jazz music, representing the flexibility and openness. This research is therefore intended to search out and convey the remarkable relationship of these two different styles. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recital Program 1. Fanfare for three trumpets 2. Quintet for clarinet, two violins, viola and violoncello 3. Three Piano Pieces 4. Two Rivulets for soprano, alto flute, violoncello and piano 5. Three Movements for chamber orchestra 6. Brass Sextet for two trumpets, two horns, trombone, and tuba