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Debussy's Use of the Motive in Thematic Construction as Found in "Images I" for Piano

Description: This study seeks to discover the extent and manner of Debussy's use of the motive in thematic material. A total of 40 melodic examples were analyzed in order to show their relationship to a single motive, a three-note figure having a step-leap relationship. Using eighty-four series of examples, the study shows the melodies analyzed to be 85% motive-derived. The study concludes, therefore, that Images I is a remarkably economical work, using a single three-note motive as a unifying and developme… more
Date: May 1977
Creator: Sheridan, John F.
Partner: UNT Libraries
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