Monday, March 29, 2010

mediant blocking in D145n7

A simple diatonic mediant move (effecting the transformation R twice) is aligned with formal design in an early ternary waltz that also happens to contrast Ländler and deutscher traits (the former in the main theme, the latter in the contrasting middle) using sharp dynamic contrast to make the point unmistakably. In the example below, the mediant moves are outlined. (Another reminder that the graphics are thumbnails -- click on them to see the original-size file.)


Perhaps because of the change of figuration assisting the topic change, the left hand does not execute the transformations directly (in the manner of the Riemannian Hand). Instead, the right hand works out a pattern that combines transformation with registral shifts.

In mm. 3-4, the Hand would seem to be as at "a?": Bb4-Eb5-G5, but the direct move is from the shape at "a". The "b?" to which "a" moves is not literal, however (there is no Eb5); instead, the Eb is shifted upward to Eb6 (as at "b"). In the reprise this shape settles down as C5 goes to Bb4 (at "c?"), but the final move again takes the lowest note up an octave: G5 to G6 at "c."