TOTAL SERIALISM

This sample project for Total Serialism is not intended to be a complete set of directions on how to do the assignment. Its purpose is to provide some information on how to approach the task. The sample project given is not necessarily complete, and there are many ways to arrive at the end product. Do not use any of the choices found below.

1. Begin by creating a row matrix in cardinal numbers.

   

2. Make choices on which rows to use. In this case, rows with combinatorial features (complementary hexachords) will be used.
   
   

   Event	Top part	Bottom part
   Pitch	P 0 = 0 1 3 9 2 11 4 10 7 8 5 6	I 7 = 7 6 4 10 5 8 3 9 0 11 2 1
   Rhythm	R 6 = 0 11 2 1 4 10 5 8 3 9 7 6	RI 1= 7 8 5 6 3 9 2 11 4 10 0 1
   Articulations	RI 7= 1 2 11 0 9 3 8 5 10 4 6 7	R 0 = 6 5 8 7 10 4 11 2 9 3 1 0
   Dynamics	I 1 = 1 0 10 4 11 2 9 3 6 5 8 7	P 6 = 6 7 9 3 8 5 10 4 1 2 11 0

   
   
   
3. Assign instruments and distribute the pitches from P 0 and I 7.

   

4. Assign rhythms according to R 6 and RI 1.

   

   Select a meter, but since meter is frequently irrelevant in this style, choose any and supply barlines. Make the rhythms conform to the beat structure, add variety to the registers, and assign a metronome marking.

   

5. Assign articulations according to RI 7 and R 0.

   

   Certain articulations will require a shorter note value give them meaning; make the proper changes by shortening the note and adding appropriate rests following it. Other articulations (such as "fp") will require some sustained playing technique to give them meaning.

   

6. Assign the dynamics according to I 1 and P 6.

   

   Occasionally, some of the pre-decisions will not make sense. Feel free to modify procedures for logic; locate the modifications in the example below.