Program Note

Short Symphony is an orchestral, single-movement piece that I wrote and later analyzed for my Master’s dissertation. At the beginning of the movement, a brief introduction is provided, presenting the atmosphere and thematic elements used in the piece. The form of this movement is inspired by both the sonata and the sonata-rondo forms. The overall structure of the movement consists of two main contrasting themes introduced at the beginning and then developed in a section similar to the development section of a sonata. The notable structural differences from the classical sonata form (Type I) include the reintroduction of the second theme in the development section and the rearrangement of the themes’ order in the recapitulation.

My primary approach was to use thematic elements and develop them to create a balance between unity and variety within the piece. Throughout the composition, references are made to Neapolitan major, whole-tone, and Spanish octatonic modes; however, no dominant mode or tonality is intended for the entire piece. Additionally, triads are used in the accompaniment, outside the framework of tonal harmony.

One of the techniques employed in this piece is metric modulation, which is used to explore new rhythmic possibilities. Changes in the rhythm of motifs, meter, and tempo throughout the piece contribute to its progression, aiming to avoid exact repetitions as much as possible. In the construction and development of the themes, specific interval classes (1, 6, and 4) and some distinctive pitch classes are introduced in the piece, with provisions made for creating melodic cadences at the end of phrases.