On Invariant Features of Formation in European Vocal Music of the Classical-Romantic Tradition

Abstract

The article is devoted to vocal formal design as an independent phenomenon. In dialogue with Russian musicologists and composers, the author analyses the specifics of vocal forms, paying special attention to the singing profile, a little-studied factor in vocal formal design. Examples of “deviations” from traditional structural and compositional norms caused by it are given. Singing-oriented intonation in classical-romantic music accumulates opportunities for the birth of the cantilena melody, the properties and laws of which are considered at different scaletime levels. Theoretical conclusions are clearly illustrated by analysing José's arioso from the second act of Bizet's opera Carmen.

Keywords

Vocal formal design, classical-romantic tradition, European vocal music, invariant, melody, cantilena, processuality, singing voice