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Structural, tonal and linear problems in William Albright's Symphony for Organ (1986)
Abstract
William Albright's Symphony for Organ, an extended work for organ solo (with an obligato percussion part in the fourth movement) was composed in 1986, and published by C. F. Peters in 1989. It is Albright's largest single organ work to date, and represents an interesting approach to the problem of unifying and organizing musical material over a long time span. This paper discusses Albright's compositional style, his incorporation of diverse stylistic elements into a coherent and uniquely personal musical language, his previous organ works, and organ works by other composers which have influenced his style. Recent changes in Albright's musical language are an important part of this discussion: during the last ten years Albright has attempted to make the language of the avant-garde of the 1960's accessible to audiences, and has adjusted his instrumental idiom to accommodate current trends in organ-building, especially the proliferation of smaller, neo-classical instruments with mechanical action. The Symphony is designed to be equally successful on both this type of instrument and a larger, more Romantic one. The bulk of the document consists of an analysis of the linear and tonal structure of the Symphony, primarily employing a modified Schenkerian approach, to show relationships between local foreground events and large-scale background structures. The tonal plan of the Symphony is based on ascending and descending chromatic lines, and on a conflict between four primary tonalities, C, C$\sharp$, D and B. Albright's complicated scheme of conflict and interaction between these tonalities is discussed at length. Atonal set theory is used to discuss certain features of the work. Relationships between the tonal structure and the expressive nature of the music are shown. Finally, problems involved in performance are discussed, including matters related to registration, technique, and coordination between the organist and the percussionist, based on information gathered from Douglas Reed (who premiered the work), Albright himself, and the author's performing experience. An errata list for the printed score is included.
Subject Area
Music
Recommended Citation
Krahn, Stephen W, "Structural, tonal and linear problems in William Albright's Symphony for Organ (1986)" (1994). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9500605.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9500605