Abstracts
Abstract
The lyrical second theme in the first movement of Sibelius’s Violin Concerto presents a metric conundrum: it is notated and barred in two distinct ways. One measure of 6/4 in the exposition corresponds to two measures of 2/2 in the recapitulation. This essay in multimedia modular format explores the meaning of the metric distinction, considering 1904 and 1905 versions of the concerto and Sibelius’s correspondence; performances and performing editions; and form and meter, tempo notated and performed, and elements of resolution. A shift in metric ground, change in the way tempo is slowed down, and homecomings in key, rhythm, and instrumental color all point to a recapitulatory second theme that flows differently—more spaciously and freely—than its expository twin.
Keywords:
- form,
- interpretation,
- meter,
- notation,
- performance,
- Sibelius,
- theme,
- violin concerto
Résumé
Le deuxième thème lyrique du premier mouvement du Concerto pour violon de Sibelius présente une énigme métrique : il est noté et mesuré de deux manières distinctes. Une mesure en 6/4 dans l’exposition correspond à deux mesures en 2/2 dans la récapitulation. Cet essai, présenté dans un format modulaire multimédia, explore la signification de cette distinction métrique en prenant en compte les versions de 1904 et 1905 du concerto ainsi que la correspondance de Sibelius, les interprétations et éditions destinées à la performance, ainsi que la forme et la métrique, le tempo noté et exécuté, et les éléments de résolution. Un changement de référence métrique, une modification de la manière dont le tempo est ralenti, ainsi que des retours dans la tonalité, le rythme, et le timbre instrumental, indiquent tous que le deuxième thème de la récapitulation s’écoule différemment—plus largement et plus librement—que son homologue de l’exposition.
Mots-clés :
- forme,
- interprétation,
- métrique,
- notation,
- performance,
- Sibelius,
- thème,
- concerto pour violon
Appendices
Bibliography
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Editions
Performances and Recordings
Lecture-Recitals
- “A Puzzle in Sibelius’s Violin Concerto”. Leong, Daphne and Ken Hamao, with Jessica Bodner (2024), Barwick Distinguished Colloquium Series, Harvard University.
- “A Puzzle in Sibelius’s Violin Concerto”. Leong, Daphne with John Gilbert (2024), Texas Tech University, online.
- “A Puzzle in Sibelius’s Violin Concerto”. Leong, Daphne and Jinjoo Cho, with Philipp Elssner (2023), International Conference Rhythm in Music since 1900, McGill University.
- “A Puzzle in Sibelius’s Violin Concerto”. Leong, Daphne and Victor Avila Luvsangenden, with Edward Klorman (2023), Performance and Analysis Interest Group, Society for Music Theory and American Musicological Society Conference, Denver.
- “A Puzzle in Sibelius’s Violin Concerto”. Leong, Daphne and Victor Avila Luvsangenden, with Daniel Moore (2023), University of Colorado Boulder.