The encoding of names with letter notation in the German musical tradition. B-A-C-H as an idea, ideal and ideology
Keywords:
musical cryptography, composers’ monograms, Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Schumann, Arnold SchönbergAbstract
Тhe present study examines several compositions representative of the German musical tradition, wherein the basic musical material has been derived through the cryptographic procedure of encoding names with the letter designations of the pitches (i.e. letter notation). Three main thematic lines are highlighted in the research: the possible meanings embedded in the works by means of the applied cryptographic compositional approach; the tradition among German composers of inlaying tone monograms in their works of significance; the application of musical cryptographic procedures as a strategy of artistic legitimation. The starting point of the analysis is the idea of Bach’s personality and music as an enduring ideal that remains relevant – a foundation of a creative ideology that evolves over time.
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