Chou Wen-chung

Excerpts from “Ionisation: The Function of Timbre in Its Formal and Temporal Organization”

[continued]

Introduction to the Analysis [continued]

Section 5 (measures 38-50): Verticalization of Textures

Section 5 is a juxtaposition of verticalized sonorities from Textures II and III with linear movements from the same textures (on parade drum/tenor drum and tarole/snare drum). The interlocking chords in rhythmic unison can be identified by the accents and registral changes that create a two-against-three cross-rhythm.

Section 6 (measures 51-55): Return of Texture I

This return is marked by an all-metal sonority (except for the sirens). The bass-drum part is now replaced by a rhythmically much-elaborated part for anvils, which appear in the score for the first time.

Section 7 (measures 56-65): Linear Elaborations

The prominent presence of anvils and the greater emphasis of the “gong” sonority (including sirens) create a markedly different overall texture from that of the other linear elaborations section (Section 4). Fundamentally, Section 7 is an interplay between the metal sonority and variants of Texture III in juxtaposition with Texture II.

Section 8 (measures 65-74): Culmination of Elaborations

The three measures beginning at measure 69 are a brief culmination of the simultaneous elaboration of all textures initially presented at measure 23. The linear combination of bongos and bass drums clearly emphasizes a close relationship already noted.

Section 9 (measures 75-91): Conclusion

This section is much in the nature of a summation as well as a coda, consisting of sonorities of all three textures. It begins with the all-metal sonority of Texture I, much amplified by the appearance of piano, chimes, and glockenspiel (all used as if they were instruments of indefinite pitch) as well as a deep tam-tam. While the overall texture is climactic, a sense of conclusion is heightened by the fragmentation of the parade-drum rhythm and by the repeated appearance of the cadential figure on wood blocks.

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