McMasters, Ryan
(2023)
An Algorithmic Approach to the Analysis of Glenn Branca's Symphony No. 6 (Devil Choirs at the Gates of Heaven) and sea garden., a Song Cycle in Four Books with Poetry by H.D. [Original Composition].
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Glenn Branca’s 1989 Symphony No. 6 (Devil Choirs at the Gates of Heaven) for nine electric guitars, electric bass, and drums is hailed by Tim Holmes as “one piece of music [that] could be all music” and a “time-bomb ticking inside the locked citadel of music history.” This project uses the syntax of the popular programming language Ruby to take an algorithmic approach to the analysis of several sections of Branca’s guitar-driven, hard-hitting exploration of timbre and time and makes a case for algorithmic analysis as a synthesis of traditional analytic approaches and contemporary musical computer programming concepts. Further applications of this type of analysis are proposed, including the development of a new musical programming language, OREAD, to help composers and performers engage with algorithmic music in a vernacular more closely resembling interpreted programming languages. The accompanying original song cycle, based on “Sea Garden,” a collection of poems by H.D., includes examples of this language and represents an approach to writing for the voice that is heavily influenced by Branca’s use of texture, direction, and intensity.
Share
| Citation/Export: |
|
| Social Networking: |
|
Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
|
| Date: |
11 May 2023 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
20 March 2023 |
| Approval Date: |
11 May 2023 |
| Submission Date: |
30 March 2023 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
269 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences > Music |
| Degree: |
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Branca, analysis, Ruby, Hilda Doolittle |
| Date Deposited: |
11 May 2023 19:09 |
| Last Modified: |
11 May 2023 19:09 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/44385 |
Metrics
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
![[feed]](/images/feed-icon-32x32.png){kind=icon}