Melbourne Conservatorium of Music - Theses

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Elliott Carter's rhythmic language: a framework for improvisation

Hannaford, Marc Edward ( 2011)

Musicians are often categorised into narrow genres such as ‘classical’, ‘jazz’, and ‘popular’. This categorisation conceals the fact that musicians often draw influence from outside their sphere of music practice. The thesis draws upon Elliott Carter’s piano piece 90+, which, in its form and content, demonstrates a highly developed rhythmic language that informs my practice of contemporary improvisation. This thesis answers the question: how can I make use of Carter’s rhythmic language as a framework for improvisation? Chapter One details the personal context, a statement of need for this project, and a synopsis of methodology. It continues with a literature review that identifies a gap in other research concerning Carter’s rhythmic language. Chapter Two is a comprehensive presentation and examination of theoretical properties of the terms and concepts I use to analyse Carter’s rhythmic language in 90+. Chapter Three provides an analysis of 90+ using the language outlined in Chapters One and Two. Chapter Four, informed by a personal journal charting my progress in assimilating chosen aspects of Carter’s rhythmic language, provides examples and analyses of original compositions and improvisations that represent the research outcomes of this project.