Rhetorical Listening



  • Some writers have argued that rhetorical gestures, devices or treatments are involved in music's creation, dissemination, or reception. (e.g., Koch, Dahlhaus, Feld, Nattiez).

  • Investigated four types of passages:

    • Closing. A closing passage conveys a sense of impending finality. Such passages suggest that the work is ending -- or that the end of the work may be expected shortly.

    • Expository. Expository passages present the basic musical ideas of a work -- such as the principal melodies or themes.

    • Developmental. Developmental passages convey musical ideas that have been varied, broken-up, or rearranged in some manner.

    • Transitional. Transitional passages tend to act as links or bridges between other passages. They provide an interlude, or prepare for something new.