The Symphonic Works of Leos Janácek

The book investigates the spectrum of meaning inherent in six orchestral works by Leos Janácek. It codifies his compositional style, demonstrating its development from features of Moravian folk song. The analyses investigate the affective and programmatic association of the works, and employ semiologic code techniques to unveil extramusical meaning.

Autorentext

John K. Novak is a music theorist and performer whose research concerns Western music in the first quarter of the twentieth century. His principal interest is the Czech composer Leo Janá ek. Novak teaches at Northern Illinois University. His other music interests include Czech song in the state of Texas.

Inhalt

Contents: LeoS Janácek - Czech music - Moravian folk music - Speech-melody - The Fiddler's Child - Taras Bulba - The Ballad of Blaník - Sinfonetta - The Danube Symphony - Violin Concerto - «Wanderings of a Soul» - Czech ethnomusicology - Quartal harmony - Whole-tone - Octatonisim - Roland Barthes - S/Z - Suspended tonality - Floating tonality - Affect - Narrative - Semiology.