Through-composed music
In the theory of musical form, through-composed music is a continuous, non-sectional, and non-repetitive piece of music. The term is typically used to describe songs, but can also apply to instrumental music.[1]
While most musical forms such as ternary form (ABA), rondo form (ABACABA), and sonata form (ABA') rely on repetition, through-composed music does not re-use material (ABCD). This constant introduction of new material is most noticeable in musical settings of poems, in contrast to the often used strophic form (AAA). Through-composed songs have different music for each stanza of the lyrics. The German word durchkomponiert is also used to indicate this concept.[2]
Examples
Musicologist James Webster defines through-composed music in the following manner:
In general usage, a 'through-composed' work is one based on run-on movements without internal repetitions. (The distinction is especially characteristic of the literature of the art-song, where such works are contrasted with strophic settings.)[3]
Many examples of this form can be found in
Opera and musicals
The term "through-composed" is also applied to
In popular music
While through-composed form is very uncommon in popular music, several notable examples do exist:
- "2 + 2 = 5" by Radiohead shifts through four main sections, none of which repeat.[5] Starting with the first part (in 7
8),[6] each section gets progressively louder until the climax of the song's final portion. - Many Genesis songs, including "The Musical Box" and "Supper's Ready", are through-composed.
- signature song), "Guyute", "Divided Sky", "Reba", and "Foam".[7]
- "In Dreams" by Roy Orbison features seven distinct sections, none of which repeat.
- "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" and "You Never Give Me Your Money" by The Beatles.
- "Rudy" by Supertramp from the album "Crime of the Century".
- "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.
References
- ISBN 0-674-00084-6.
- ISBN 978-1-56159-263-0, retrieved 10 September 2022
- ^ ISBN 978-0-521-61201-2.
- OCLC 61286312.
- ^ Price, Andy (20 September 2022). "Radiohead's 10 Greatest Guitar Moments, Ranked". Guitar. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
- ^ "Radiohead – "2 + 2 = 5" Sheet Music". Musicnotes. 10 November 2003. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
- ^ Gehr, Richard (8 August 2014). "All 333 Phish Songs, Ranked". Spin. Retrieved 13 February 2023.