More than Meets the Eye: Derivation and Stratification in Boulez's Don (1962)

Based on a study of the sketch material held at the Paul Sacher Stiftung, this paper examines the derivation of materials in the 1962 orchestral version of ‘Don’, the first movement of Pli selon pli: portrait de Mallarmé by Pierre Boulez. Whilst starting with a prepared serial multiplication table, the composer exhibits a flexible and imaginative treatment of material between conceptual planning, conceived initially in the relationship with the last movement, ‘Tombeau’, and its mise-en-place. Some sketches suggest that Boulez carefully selects the material by sound image in his mind. The interaction between planning and sound realisation shows, furthermore, that he did not view the series as a restriction but as a fountain of creative inspiration.

Publication year:2020

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Authors from:Higher Education

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