janzen@pipa.DEC (Thomas E. J. LMO4/B5 279-5421 ECL Test) (04/29/85)
I have been thinking. I'm sorry, I've tried to quit, honest. Anyway, you may remember Pierre Boulez's old theoretical article about the Rite of Spring of Igor Stravinsky, in which he analyzes the rhythms especially of certain sections, including the sacrificial dance, as representing permuted agregations of cellular rhythmic motives. He suggested that this use of rhythm, not much pursued by Igor himself, might prove the most import- ant source of ideas for modern music. Glass' music depends on permuted cellular rhythmic motives, plus repetition plus articulated harmony. Glass's work is the offspring of the Rite, as well as other things. Thomas Janzen DEC Marlboro MA