Debussy in Proportion
A Musical Analysis

A study of Debussy's unorthodox use of musical form.

Roy Howat (Author)

9780521311458, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 March 1986

256 pages, 77 b/w illus. 31 music examples
23 x 15.3 x 2.1 cm, 0.43 kg

'To my mind, Roy Howat's book represents the most important advance in unravelling the mysteries of Debussy's music that there has ever been, and I confidently predict that its ramifications will be with us for a long time to come.' Robert Orledge, Music and Letters

This is the first paperback edition of Roy Howat's stimulating and provocative study of Debussy's unorthodox use of musical form. Throught detailed analyses of the piano pieces Reflets dans l'eau and L'isle joyeuse and the symphonic poem La mer, Dr Howat shows how the pieces are built precisely and intricately around the two ratios of Golden Section and bisection so that the music is organised in various geometrical patterns which contribute substantially to its expansive and dramatic impact. The final chapter traces evidence of whether the proportional systems were designed consciously, and if so, where and why Debussy might have learnt such techniques. The evidence includes his involvement in the Symbolist movement and in esotericism.

Preface
Part I. Exposition: 1. Proportional structure and the Golden Section
2. Analytical aims and methods
3. 'Reflets dans l'eau'
Part II. Earlier Developments: 4. Early works - up to 1892
5. L'isle joyeuse
Part III. La Mer: 6. Introduction
7. 'De l'aube à midi sur la mer'
8. 'Dialogue du vent et de la mer'
9. 'Jeux de vagues'
Part IV. Other Evidence: 10. Brief studies of other works
11. External evidence
Appendices
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Music [AV]