Nørgård's articles about myths


Below is a list of the most important articles written by Per Nørgård about the use of myths in the interpretation of music. All these articles are printed in Per Nørgård artikler 1962-82.




(1976-77)


Is Diatonics a Universal Phenomenon?

When arguing for the 'naturalness' of the diatonic scale, Nørgård uses the world of myth to describe the individual notes of the scale. The mythical connections here are those characteristics which in astrology are associated with the seven heavenly bodies: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury and the Moon. To each of the seven notes of the scale is assigned the name of one of these heavenly bodies. Arguments are presented for transferring the characteristics of the heavenly body in question to the particular note.





(1976-79)

 


Introduction to Hierarchical Genesis

Per Nørgård argues that a body of theory should be built up around the way we perceive music, which is seen as 'many-layered' (hierarchical) 'becomings' (genesis). Nørgård indicates the use of 'the language of parable' to verbalise a musical experience, presenting as examples analyses of several pieces, including 'Greensleeves', in which he makes use of analogies drawn on particular myths.






(1978)


Counter-image - a phenomenological study of the myths behind forms of expression in music and in life

Apart from what is indicated in the title, this article contains a analysis of Mozart's so-called 'Elvira Madigan' theme as an example of the use of myths in the interpretation of music.





(1979)


Growth - as leitmotif and process

In this article, Per Nørgård presents his 'Goethean' ideas, central to which is the duality of 'observer' and 'participant'. He describes the relationship between this duality and the process of creation, and identifies he driving force behind this process - the leitmotif.

He draws on myths to support his account of the process of growth. The process of creation is divided into seven stages, which are described using the symbols of the seven heavenly bodies. He demonstrates their connection with the seven days of the week. Further, he adduces a relationship between artistic production and the stages of the creation process.





(1979)


Myths and Music

Per Nørgård gives an example of a piece of music for each of the seven stages of the creation process. Eight bars from Bach's Italian Concerto are analysed, focusing on the tension between the attributes of Jupiter and Saturn.