Since absolute forms such as the symphony and the concerto generally have no program, in your opinion, what gives them their sense of shape and meaning?
The sonata form of each movement and the relationship between movements gives the composition its shape. The meaning, if any, is contained in the music itself.
I recommend this website for further reading:
http://everything2.com/e2node/Sonata%2520form
In the case of absolute music forms like symphonies and concertos, their sense of shape and meaning is primarily derived from their structural elements and musical techniques. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the factors that contribute to the sense of shape and meaning in absolute music forms:
1. Structure: The overall structure of a symphony or concerto plays a crucial role in providing a sense of shape and meaning. Composers usually follow established forms such as sonata form, rondo, variation, or ternary form to organize the musical material. These forms consist of distinct sections (exposition, development, and recapitulation in sonata form, for example) that give the composition a clear trajectory.
2. Musical Themes: Themes, or melodic ideas, are the building blocks of a composition. Variations, developments, and transformations of these themes occur throughout the piece, creating a sense of unity and coherence. The contrasting and evolving nature of the themes contribute to the overall shape and meaning of the composition.
3. Harmonic Progressions: The progression of chords and harmonies provides a sense of tension and release, contributing to the emotional narrative of the music. Harmonic shifts, modulations, and cadences shape the overall flow and structure to create a coherent musical journey.
4. Dynamics and Orchestration: The use of dynamics (volume) and orchestration (instrumentation) play a significant role in conveying the emotional and expressive aspects of the music. Variations in dynamics, the layering of different instrumental sections, and the interplay between various instrument groups help shape the composition's overall structure and meaning.
5. Development and Variation: Through the use of techniques such as development and variation, composers take the initial musical material and expand it, transforming and exploring different facets of the themes. These processes contribute to the sense of growth, progression, and fulfillment within the composition.
6. Musical Contrast: Contrast in dynamics, tempo, rhythm, texture, and mood add depth and interest to the music. By juxtaposing differing musical elements, composers create more engaging and meaningful compositions. For example, a symphony might feature contrasting fast and slow movements, providing emotional and structural variation.
7. Symphonic Narrative: While absolute music lacks a specific program or storyline, it can still convey a sense of narrative through its structure, themes, and musical devices. The interplay between different themes, their development, and their ultimate resolution shape the narrative and meaning of the composition.
Overall, it is the combination and interplay of these musical elements and techniques that imbue absolute music forms like symphonies and concertos with their sense of shape and meaning, allowing them to evoke emotions, create tension and release, and provide a fulfilling listening experience.
To understand what gives absolute forms like symphonies and concertos their sense of shape and meaning, we need to consider the elements and techniques used in their composition. While absolute forms lack a specific narrative or program, composers employ various musical devices to create structure, coherence, and emotional expressiveness. Here are a few key aspects that contribute to the shape and meaning of absolute forms:
1. Musical Form: Composers utilize musical forms such as sonata form, ternary form, or rondo form to organize the sections and overall structure of a piece. These forms provide a framework and guide the listener through different thematic material, development, and recapitulation, creating a sense of progression and resolution.
2. Motivic Development: Composers often introduce specific themes or motives at the beginning of a piece and then develop and transform them throughout the composition. This process of variation, expansion, fragmentation, and juxtaposition helps to shape the music, create tension and release, and establish a sense of unity.
3. Orchestration and Texture: The choice of instruments and their combinations (orchestration) and the way they are used in different sections contribute to the overall texture of a piece. The interplay between different instrumental voices, dynamics, and timbres can evoke different emotions and highlight specific musical ideas, adding richness and depth.
4. Harmonic Progression: The movement and tension of chords and harmonic progressions play a significant role in conveying emotions and creating a sense of direction. Composers carefully craft harmonic sequences, modulations, and contrast between consonance and dissonance to shape the overall tonal journey and provide resolution or dramatic effect.
5. Dynamic and Temporal Contrast: Variations in dynamics (loudness and softness) and tempo (speed) add contrast and help to shape the music's emotional character. Gradual or sudden changes in dynamics and tempo contribute to the overall structure and provide moments of tension, climax, or introspection.
6. Expressive Techniques: Composers employ a wide range of expressive techniques such as articulation, phrasing, dynamics, and ornamentation to bring out specific emotions, highlight melodic or rhythmic elements, and shape the overall musical narrative.
While absolute forms may lack explicit programmatic content, it is through the combination and manipulation of these elements that composers create a coherent musical language, enabling listeners to perceive a sense of shape, meaning, and emotional impact in these compositions.