Urania for orchestra
Abstract
Urania is a work that is loosely modelled on early Greek music theory (Urania was one of
the nine muses worshipped by ancient Greeks), namely the idea of creating scale structures from
inserting two variable notes in between two invariable notes that were farther apart in distance.
These four note cells, or tetrachords, could then be combined with other cells to create numerous
scales that would be used for the creation of melodies.
In this piece, I have adapted this concept to the prevailing Western chromatic scale, using
various tetrachords (whose outer notes span the interval of a fourth) to create both melody and
harmony.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, College of Fine Arts, Dept. of Music