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∣P∣, where a whole new set of motives is introduced and the previous motives are
completely abandoned in favor of a static texture. The effect of this is that the narrative of
the piece stops abruptly, and the tension which has slowly been building is released long
before the climax of the work.
In consideration of the link between the narrative and the music, sections ∣C∣-∣g] are
ambiguous. Figure 3 illustrates one possible interpretation along with musical rationale
behind this analysis. While of the five events from the program note, the “people
watching,” the “storm,” and the “aftermath” are very clear musically, there are several
sections that musically suggest either “stillness” or “light rippling wind” or both.
Figure 3: Black Roller Possible Narrative
|
Section |
Elapsed Time____ |
Probable Event |
Musical Rationale |
|
A |
:00_________ |
Group of people watching |
Alternation of short motives among winds______ |
|
B |
1:30 |
Watching continues/ |
Viola enters, reiterates wind motives |
|
~ |
2:45 |
Watching continues/ Cloud buildup____________ |
ww chorales suggest layering of clouds |
|
^D |
3:35 |
Stillness |
String chorale (recalls Copland) Open intervals Dolce, legato indications_______________________ |
|
E |
5:27 |
Stillness______________________ |
Sustained clusters in winds and cello___________ |
|
F________ |
6:30 |
Increasing wind___________ |
Continuous passing of motive z_______________ |
|
G_____ |
7:40 |
Approach of storm________ |
New motives_____________________________ |
|
H_____ |
7:58 |
Stillness______________________ |
Marked “suddenly quiet, very still, expectant” |
|
I |
8:45 |
Arrival of storm |
Intense piano cadenza Faster tempo Extreme registers Marked “furiously”__________________________ |
|
9:05 |
Growing intensity of storm |
Tutti sul pont. Marked “furiously ” Motive d (screaming/crying motive)___________ | |
|
^K |
9:52 |
Climax of storm |
Aleatoric section Marked “dissonant racket” Extreme dynamics__________________________ |
|
T |
10:35 |
Aftermath of storm |
Dissipating rain figure in piano Return to original tempo Marked “lightly" Repetition of motives from earlier in the piece Major sonority suggesting the sun______________ |