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Abstract
Igor Stravinsky's transcription of L'Histoire du Soldat, Aram Khachaturian's Trio in G Minor, and Béla Bartók's Contrasts for violin, clarinet, and piano are distinguished for their startling rhythmic originalities and fine folkloric derivations. Several excerpts from these trios demonstrate intricacy and sophistication in multiple aspects such as rhythmic structure and harmonic scheme. For individual and ensemble musicians working in collaboration, these musical complexities can present both technical difficulties and interpretative challenges. For musicians, a thorough analysis of these excerpts is necessary in order to better understand the musical constructions and deliver comprehensive interpretations in performance. This dissertation conducts systematic analyses of metrical/grouping structure and time-span reduction, as means to simplify a musical passage rhythmically and harmonically. The discussion will reveal the underlying patterns and frameworks in the musical hierarchy, with particular emphasis on themes in connection to folksong improvisational style, multiple layering in rhythm and harmony, and rhythmic variations and subdivisions. The analytical findings that result can serve as points of reference for exploring interpretative ideas and options, and can ultimately help musicians create a communicative environment for themselves and their prospective audiences.
