Tonal Principles The Axis System “Every art has the right to strike its roots in the art of a previous age; it not only has the right to but it must stem from it”, Bartdk once declared. His tonal system grew out of functional music. An uninter- rupted line of evolution can be followed from the beginnings of functional concepts, through the harmonies of ‘Viennese classicisin and the tone-world of romanticism to his axis system. By an analysis of his compositions, this axis system can ptimarily be shown to possess the essential properties of classical harmony, i.e. (q) the functional affinities of the fourth and fifth degrees (8) the relationship of relative major and minor keys (0) the overtone relations (@) the role of leading notes (©) the opposite tension of the dominant and subdominant (J) the duality of tonal and distance principles(a) To begin with, let us try to situate Bartdk’s tonal system in the circle of fifths. Let us take Cas the tonic (I). Then F, the fourth degree, is the subdominant (S); G, the fifth degree, is the dominant (D); A, the sixth degree and relative of the tonic, functions as a tonic; D, the second degree, and relative of the subdominant, functions as a subdominant; E, the third degree and relative of the dominant, fnctions as a dominant, The series of fifths, F-C-G-D-A-E corresponds to the functional series S-T-D-S-T-D. We note that the sequence S-T-D repeats itself. When this periodicity is extended over the entire circle of fifths the scheme of the axis system may be clearly seen: Let us separate the three functions and call them tonic, sub- dominant and dominant axes, respectively. : *" & s & SUBDOMINANT DOMINANT AXIS AXIS g . o TONIC AXIS m0. 3 Chords based on the fundamental C, Ep (=D#), F# and A have a fonic function, Ghords based on the fundamental E, G, Bh (Ag), Ci (=Dp) have a dominant function. Chords based on the fundamental D, F, Ab (=G#), B have a subdominant function. Itis essential that the particular axes should not be considered as chords of the diminished seventh, but as the functional relationships of four different tonalities, which may best be compared to the major-minor relations of classical music (e.g. G major and A minor, Ep major and C minor). b)Te should be noted, however, that a much more sensitive relationship exists between the opposite poles of an axis—the “counterpoles’, eg. G and Fg—than those situated next to each other, e.g. Cand A. A pole is always interchangeable with its counterpole without any change in its fanction.* ‘The pole-counterpole relationship is the most fundamental structural principle in Barték’s music, in respect to both small and large forms. Already the inner form of Blucbeard’s Gastle was conceived in pole-counterpole tensions. It starts at the dark Fg pole, rises to the bright G major chord (the realm of Bluebeard) and descends again to the gloomy Ff. ‘The course of the Sonata for Tico Pianos and Percussion rises from the depths to the heights: from F¥ to G, the beginning and end of the work. In Fig. 15 the Fi and C entries (bs. 2-5) represent the tonic, the G and Dp entries (from the end of b. 8) the dominant, the Ap and D entries (bs. 12-17) the sub- dominant counterpoles. ‘The B major tonic of the Violin Concert is replaced in the development by its counterpole F (b. 115). Similarly the F major tonic of the Divertinenta is replaced by B in the develop- ment (b. 80). ‘The movements of Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta have the following structure: MOVEMENT “BEGINNING “MIDDLE END I A Ep (b. 56) A 1 c Fg (b. 263) um Fe = G(b.46) Vv A Ep (b.83) A + A cadencelike sequence of chonls, E-A-D-G-C-F in the system of Baridk can also be visualized in the following way: E-A~Ab-Db-C-F, the original D and G being replaced by Ab and Dp, their counterpole. IA the very endl of Mesie or Stings, Percussion and Caleta (Mov. IV bs. 276 282), we hear instead of FE-BV-E'-A™-D'G'-CHF" the sequence Fy-B-B)-A™-GF-CP-(C)-F". 4 ‘This table teaches yet another lesson. All four movements rest on the tonic axis, A-C-Ep-F#. Thus the first and fourth movements are supported by the “principal branch”, A and Eb; the middle movements, however, by the “secondary branch”, G and FP. Thus each axis has a two-fold affinity depending on whether we oppose the pole with the counter pole, or the principal branch with the secondary branch, Pate m0. 4 Consequently the components of the axis system are as follows: pole _ (no dimension) branch pole-+-counterpole (1 dimension) axis principal++secondary branch (2 dimensions) axis system = T-+D+8 axes (3 dimensions) ‘The Slow Movement of the Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion is based on the subdominant axis, B-D-F-Ap, complying with the traditions of classical composition. The modal arrangement of its principal theme is symmetrical: the beginning and end supported by the B and F counterpoles (i.e. the princi pa—a 5 / | f :of the axis), whereas the second and fourth melodic lines rest on the D and Ab counterpoles (i.e. the secondary branch of the axis) with the answer of the changing-fifth (B) in the middle.* le RINGIPAL BRAN Anower nthe fifth ‘ey Hf SECONDARY GRA J on femerinvefibh RN m0. 5 ‘The answering lower fith in which the second section repeats the roclody of the fist section, is character ofthe od-type Hungarian {(Cheremisy etc) folk song with a descending melodie line. See frst example of Fig. 76. 6 ‘The melody constituting the core of the movement i also centred around the subdominant axis. The G§ opening and ‘lose are replaced in the middle ofthe theme by the counterpole 1D. Every main metric and motivic point revolves around the subdominant axis. “These two melodies truly reflect the structure of the movement, cone of them being attached to the principal BF, the other to the secondary G§-D branch of the subdominant axis. “The second theme of the Violin Concert, the famous Reile seems to be somewhat more intricate. Although the twelve-tone melody touches every degree of the chromatic scale, there is no doubt as to its tonality. In its axis we see the A and Di counter- poles (beginning, middle, end) and the broken-up Fi major and C major-minor counterpoles. isn omeete abe _ ert, ete ft eyFor further details, see App. I, p..g9- (8) A survey of the evolution of harmonic thinking leads to the - conclusion that the birth of the axis system was a historical necessity, representing the logical continuation (and in a certain sense the completion) of European functional music. Tt ‘can be demonstrated that the axis system, with its characteristic features had, in effect, been used by the Viennese “Greats”, Indeed, it had been recognised by Bach, in his chromaticism. ‘The sense of junctional correlation in music was introduced in practice by the realisation of the I-IV-V-1 affinity (in medieval modal music, at first in cadence form only) In the case of the G tonic: ‘SUBDOMINANT ‘omc DOMINANT F c G ‘The classical theory of harmony already speaks of primary and secondary triads inasmuch as the Ci may be replaced by its, relative A, the F by its relative D and the G by its relative E. suBpoMmNANT ‘rome DOMINANT F c Ge so Zo / D’ A E Romantic harmony goes still furthér, making frequent use of the upper relatives. (Naturally only major and minor keys of similar key-signature may be regarded as relatives, e.g. Cmajor and A minor, or C minor and Ep major): SUBDOMINANT Tone DOMINANT F G SN as ya D Ab A Eb E One more step completes the system. The axes extend the application of relatives to the whole system, The axis system implies the recognition of the fact that the common relative for ‘Aand Ep is not only C, but also F (Gp); that D and Ab not only have F as a common relative, but also B; and that B’and Bb not only have G, but also Ct (=Dp) as common relatives. suppoxttNaNT rome DOMINANT G We Nw “ aoe aoe BE Bb Uae is a NZ Of As is well known, Barték showed a preference for the use of so-called major-minor chords (see Fig. g2b). For instance, its form in C tonality is: cimaine m0. 8 ‘The function remains unchanged even if the C major mode— 1s shown in the above chord—is replaced by the relative A minor, or when the Ep major tonality replaces the relative C minor. This technique occurs regularly in Barték’s musi C major—minor / A minor Ep major ‘These substitute chords may also be employed in major-minor form, which brings the system to a close, since the relative of A major (Ff minor) and that of Ep minor (Gp major) meet at a point of enharmonic co-incidence, F=Gb. 9G major-minor Wa 7 A minor Eb major A major Ep minor \ f ™“ x F¥ minor=Gp major ‘These relatives, applied to dominant and subdominant harmony, again result in the scheme of the axis system." (©) The theory of the axis system is also substantiated by the laws of acoustics. Acoustically, arriving from the dominant to the tonic, is to reach the root from an overtone—all cadential re- lations rest on the principle of interconnection between roots and their overtones. Thus, the dominant of C is not only G but also the next overtones E and Bp. Therefore the circle of tonic + One could easily be balled by the fit that the chord on the seventh degree (B-D-F) assumes a dominant fisction in traditional harmony. However, in Riemann’s opinion, this is but an incomplete seventh chord on. the fith degree, This ambiguity is resolved as soon as either a major or minor chord is based on the B instead of a dieainished triad, Le. the B is granted an independent role. In this case B will have the function of the subdominant. For example, in Beethoven's G major Piano Concerto, the Ff major chord of the principal theme (b.7) really calls for a subdominant, ive. a changing dominant interpretation. The difference between the seven note and the twelve-note systems is conspicuous also in that the circle of fifths built om the notes of the major scale (F-C-G-D-A-E-B) suffers fa break between the B and F. No such break occurs in the twelve-note system as its built up of homogensour interval relations. Were it otherwise then, leven the simplest relatives—the CG: major and A minor relationship—would, be effected by the contradiction that the chord Ise on B is undoubtedly ‘of a subdominant character im the A minor key. The same applies to the CHD flat degree, It is known ftom Rameau that the Neapolitan sixth ‘cannot be regarded as a real chord on the second degree; itis not 2 chord, based on Dp, but an altered fourth degree. Also the minor sixth degree in the minor scale could receive a tonic significance by assimilation co the major scale, In an homogeneous twelve-note system, however, these diatonic “transpositions” lose their ground. 10 dominant relationships is expanded to include E->C and Bp+C. Since the D-T relationship corresponds* relatively to the T-S and the S-D relationship, overtone-root attraction exists between the T-S and the SD, as well. m Roor OVERTONE RESULTANT tonic C Eand Bp = dominant dominant E Gi and D = subdominant dominant Bb Dand Ap = subdominant subdominant Ap Gand Gh = tonic subdominant D Fe and = tonic m0. 9 The dominant of the dominant (changing dominant) acquires the significance of the subdominant while the dominant of the subdominant sarumes the role ofthe tonic.If we add the role of the nearest overtone, i.e. the fifth, then we can deduce the complete axis system from these relations. (d Im the simplest cadence, that of VL, the main role is played by the so-called sensitive notes which produce the pull of the dominant towards the tonic. The leading note pulls to the root and the seventh towards the third degree of the tonic, i.e. the leading note B resolves on C and the seventh F on E or E>. Mozart (Don Teun) ie t a) A ‘These important sensitive notes beat a tritonic relationship to each other. The tritone—half the octave interval—is charac- terised by the interchangeability of its notes without changing the interval. Thus, if the B-F relationship is converted into an F-B one (as is frequently the case with Barték), then the F + (Eg) assumes the role of the leading note, pulling towards the Ff instead of B, while the seventh B pulls towards Ag or A instead of C. So, instead of the expected tonic C major, the counterpole, the equally tonic F§ major (or minor) emerges. ae, Step Peey eae BE 2 te dy ‘This resolution is reserved by Barték for a sudden change of scene, The circumstances of an expected G7-C cadence emerging as G'—F# gives us a “Bartdkean pseudo-cadence”, (6 Starting from the tonic centre C-we reach the dominant in fone direction and the subdominant in the other, in identical latitudes. At a distance of a fifth we find the dominant G upwards and the subdominant F downwards. Regarding overtone relations we also get the dominant G, E, Bp in the upper and the subdominant F, Ap, D in the lower directions. owner DimECTICN ssooneman Toy beecriow But what happens if the pendulum covers the latitude of a tritone? In this case the deviations made upwards and down- wards meet, both ending at Ff (=Gp), and if we were to take one as the dominant, then the other would have to assume the subdominant function. By this coincidence, however, a neutral- jsation of their functions takes place, dominant and subdominant merging are rendered ineffective in the interaction of their opposite forces. Consequently the balance is saved, and the function is invariably that of the tonic. The counterpole is born Similarly the distance between the tonic CG and F& is bisected by Eb (=D) in the one and by A in the other direction; so lying in tensionless, neutral section points, they also have to be interpreted as tonics. No more than four tonic poles can be surmised, since the intervals G-Ep, Bb-F#, F&A, ACC provide no further points of biséction. 8Finally, what significance should be attached to a swing of a chromatic degree, of C->B and its counterpart C—>C¥ (=Dp)? Which is then to assume the dominant and which the sub- dominant function? Related to B, CZ shows a degree of elevation of two fifths, which might correspond to the S-D inter- dependence, but not to its opposite. Anyway, the subdominant function of B and the dominant function of Cf are un- questionable when they are related to the tonic F# counterpole. (J) Thus, observing the logic of functional interconnection of the three axes, another interesting point arises. The sub- dominant and dominant are represented most effectively not by the degrees IV and V but, in the case of C tonality, the subdominant by Ab (and its counterpole), the dominant by E (and its counterpole). ‘This is, ater all, nothing new since there is, for instance, the dominant secondary theme in E. of Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata (G major) or the subdominant Slow Movement in Ab of the Patketique (C minor). The movements of Brahins’ First Symphony have the following key-sequence: C-E-Ap-C. in the sense of tonic-dominant-subdominant-tonic, ete. ~ However, the above examination of the axis system fails to explain why Bartdk prefirs these augmented triad relations to the traditional I-IV-V-I, (For examples, see App. II, p. 103.) This necessitates a new approach to the system, It is generally accepted that twelve-tone music shows @ strong tendency to indifferent tonal relations. Atonal relations can be most suitably effected by the equal division of the octave, or of the circle of fifths. By dividing the octave in twelve equal parts we get the chromatic scale; in the case of six equal parts we have the whole-tone scale; four equal parts gives us the chord of the diminished seventh; three the augmented triad, and finally by dividing the octave into two equal parts we arrive at the tritone. 4 For the present we shall exclude the whole-tone scale because of its limited possibilities: two whole-tone scales produce the chromatic scale by interlocking. Every tonal system presupposes a centre as well as sub- ordinate relations dependent on the centre. Taking again Cas the tonic centre, the three functions are represented most potently by those degrees dividing the circle of fifths into three equal parts, ie. in the augmented triad O-E-Ab. Properties inherent in classical harmony are responsible for the B assuming a dominant function and Ap a subdominant function in relation to the tonic C. Each of these main notes permit their substitution by their ‘counterpoles, i.e. their tritonic equivalents, Thus, G may be replaced by F, E by Bp and Ab by D. : If we divide the twelve-tone chromatic scale proportionally between the three functions, each function will have four poles, and these—insofar as we keep to the distance principle—are arranged in diminished-seventh relations, dividing the circle {nto four equal parts. Accordingly, C-Ep-F3-A belong to the range of the C tonic, E-G-Bp-Gf to that of the dominant E main note, and Ap-B-D-F to that of the subdominant Ab main note. $0, the tonal system resulting from a division of the chromatic seale into equal parts agrees completely with the axis system: DOMINANT SUBDOMINANT TONIC )Put concisely, given the twelve-tone system and the three functions this is the only system that can be realised by means of distance division, ‘Viewed historically, the axis system reflects the age-old struggle between the principles of tonality and egui-distance, with the gradual ascendancy of the latter which finally resulted in the free and equal treatment of the chromatic twelve notes.* Here we have to draw a line between Bartdk’s twelve-tone system and the ZwélRonmusik of Schonberg. Schénberg annihilates and dissolves tonality whereas Barték incorporates the principles of harmonic thinking in a perfect synthesis. To penetrate into Barték’s creative genius is to discover the natural affinities and intrinsic possibilities, inherent in the musical material. “The introduction of the tempered scale marked about the middle of this road. 6 Form Principles Golden Section Golden Section (“sectio aurea”, and henceforth GS) means the division of a distance in such a way that the proportion of the whole length to the larger part corresponds geometrically to the proportion of the larger to the smaller part, i.e. the larger part is the geomeric mean of the whole length and the smaller part, A simple calculation shows that if the whole length is taken as unity, the value of the larger section is 0.618 . . « 2 (lx) (see upper formula on page 78), and hence the smaller part is 0.982 ++ : : "Thus, the larger part of any length divided into GS is equal to the whole length multiplied by 0-618 . .. yBarték’s method, in his construction of form and harmony, is closely connected with the law of the GS. This is a formal clement which is at least as significant in Bartdk’s music as the 2+2, 4+4, 848 bar periods or the overtone harmonisation in the Viennese classical style. ‘As an example, let us take the first movement of the Sonata _for Two Pianas and Percussion, The movement comprises 449 bats, 30 its GS—following the above formula—is 443 x 0-618, ie. 274, which indicates the centre of gravity in the movement: the recapitulation starts precisely at the 274th bar. Movement I of Contrasts consists of 93 bars, and its GS (63 x0-618) again marks the beginning of the recapitulation in the middle of bar 57. Movement I of the Divertimento consists of 563 triplet units (the number of bars is irrelevant owing to their variable time- signatures). The GS of 563 (563 x 0-618 =348) again coincides with the recapitulation, In Vol. VI of Mikrokosmos the GS of “Free Variations” can be seen to touch the “Molto piu calmo"—82 x o-618=51. The GS of “From the Diary of a Fly” comes at the climax: the double sforzando (if the 3/4 is taken as a 1} bar, calculating in 2/4 bars). In “Broken Chords” we find the recapitulation at the GS (80. 0-618 = 49), etc. ‘The 16 introductory bars of the Sonata for Taso Pianos and Percussion represent a model example of GS construction— ‘or more precisely, bs. 2-17, because it is here that the organic Iife of the work begins. ogy fosrrion 18 tres T (r on ror ‘IMERSTON ba, no. 15 19Its first partis in the sphere of the tonic (bs. 2-5), the second within the dominant (bs. 8-9) and the third part in that of the subdominant (b. 12 on). This third part is thematically the inversion of the first two, So, to summarise: ‘Theme in root position—tonic: FC. entries ‘Theme in reot position—dominant: G—Dp Theme inerted—subdominant: AbD Considering the changes of time-signature, it is more practical to calculate in units of 3/8 time. The whole form consists of 46 units. Its GS is 46x0618=28, and this covers that part up to the ineersion of the theme (see the main section of Fig. 16). Te can be observed that GS always coincides with the most significant turning point of the form. “Let us now separate from the whole the parts in root position, ive. the first 28 units. Now 28 x0'618=17'3. At this very point the tonic part ends—at the first third of the 18th unit (see the dominant entry in Fig. 16). ROOT POSITION INVERSION GS division may be seen to follow one of two possible courses, 20 depending on whether the longer or the shorter section comes first. Let us call one of the possibilities positive: long section followed by the short one—and the other negative: short section followed by the long onc. In the structure of both tonic and dominant parts the cymbal- stroke cteates a sharp duality. The position of the cymbal-strokes is in both cases determined by the GS, but whereas the tonic unit (at the sign “cym” in Fig. 16) is divided so as to make it positive (17-3 x0-618=11), the dominant part, on the contrary, becomes a negative division (it consists of ro units and is divided 446). The positive and negative sections complement each other as something with its own mirror-image. But the meeting-point of the two (the dominant entry) has 2 positive sign. ‘in other words, condensation and dispersal of the nodes cause a longitudinal undulation, the wave-crests meeting in a positive section. Its negative counterpart is found at the entry of the tam-tam (in the inversion) so that the positive section of the root and the negative section of the inversion are again joined symmetrically. ‘Not only the entire formal arc but even the form-cells submit, entirely to the strictest geomettic analysis. For instance, in the dominant part, we find up to the cymbal-stroke, eleven eighth notes. Its positive GS point (7+4) determines the position of the only musical stress in the unit—by means of elongating the Eb note. This is soon counter-balanced by the negative section- point, at the side-drum beat, in bars 10-11. Similarly, the positive section of the tonic part up to the cymbal-stroke is marked by the most important turning- point, by the third (CG) timpani entry—counted in eighth 33 x0-618=20. Precisely here, the thematic condensation begins: also, with the axst eighth. On the other hand, the complementary, Regative section of the part following the cymbal-stroke is indicated again by the side-drum (see Fig. 16). BEng aSummarising the above, both in the smaller and larger form- details, there is a symmetric joining of the positive and negative sections, From these concatenations a single great “potential” form arises, wherein the smaller parts arc finally summarised in a positive main section. This process is therefore coupled with ‘powerful dynamic increase, from pianissimo to forte-fortissimo, ‘Analytical studies permit the conclusion that the positive section is accompanied by intensification, dynamic rise or concentration of the material, while the negative section by a falling and subsiding. The sections always follow the contents and form-conception of the music. By way of illustration let us subject Movement III of the Sonata for Tioo Pianos and Percussion to a detailed analysis. Exemplary, is the unity of proportions of the exposition: the principal theme has a positive and the closing theme a negative section, while the secondary theme developed between the two is symmetrically arranged. ‘Thus, the principal theme* (43'5 bars Jong) is divided as follows: A,+A,+B. The position of B is determined by: 43°5X0618=27'5, while the two A’s are related to each other according to: 27°5 x 0-618=17. + ‘The incomplete hal-bat atthe beginning ofthe movementis tobe taken into consideration when making these calculations, 22 ‘The symmetrical division of the secondary theme can be expressed as following: 12+17°5-+17°5-+12 (bs. 44-102). The geometrical centre (b. 73) accords with the tonal construction of the theme also. ‘The negative main section of the closing theme (bs. r03-133) is given in b. 115 (see Fig. 18). Within this, bs. 115-133 have fa positive section in b. 127 because of the powerful dynamic ascent, and the static construction in 4+4+4 units of bs. 103-114 produces a solid base for this rise. ter 13 14 sededbars incre positive ne. 18 Likewise the proportions of the development are symmetrical (bs. 134-247)+ Tis negative main section—counterbalaneing the positive sain section of the development of Movement I—is determined precisely by the point of climax in b. 177 (Fé tonic counter pole). "The positive section of the part preceding the climax and the negative section after the climax indicate the most important turning points: b. 160 the fugato of the principal theme, while bb 205 the return of the first theme of the development (xylo- phone entry): 33248 cumax bor 30 iM Posie TWEGATINE ne. 19 The build-up towards the climax is always marked by a positive section: from b. 140-159 it falls on b. 132 (positive) vB 160-276 yy » bet70 wb. 160-169 5, » b.166 en From the point of climax on, however, the negative sections show inverted proportions: from b. 177-204 it falls on b. 189 (negative) yy be 189-204 yy BA T95 a ee ‘The climax itself is divided statically into 6+6 bars (bs. 377-188). ‘The negative main section of the recapitulation (bs. 248-350) coincides with the watershed, as it were, of the thematic material, i. with b, 287. Bs. 287-350 form one single broad wave, and its structural view is similar to that of the beginning ‘of Movement I (cf. Fig. x6): oa PETE ad PostTve “The negative main section of the coda* (bs. 351~420) coincides with the thematic centre of gravity of the whole coda: at the same time the return of the C tonic, in b. 379, is given a greater emphasis by a lengthy preparation. Corresponding to its static structural character this thematic centre has an 8+8 bar division (bs. 379-394). "The first part of the coda (bs. 351-378) combines a positive POBITIVE. + BEGATIVE # NB. The last index of bars in the score (411) {8 erroneous. 35and a negative section in units of 9+5 and 5-+9 bars. The second part (bs. 379-420), as shown in Fig. 21, contains at the same time a positive (b. 405) and a negative (b. 395) section. Finally, the positive section of bs. 395-404 (in b. 401) and the negative section of bs. 405-420 (in b. 411) are again sym- ‘metrically related to each other. ‘At first glance it may appear contradictory that the points of section determined by the laws of GS can remain unaffected by the changing tempi. This phendmenon is easy to understand if ‘we consider that music breathes in metric pulsation and not in the absolute measurement of time. In music, passing time is made realisable by beats or bars whose role is more emphatic than the duration of performance, Subjectively we feel time elapse more feverishly in a movement with a quick time-beat and more sluggishly in a slow pulsation. Finally, let me give an example to those who reproach Barték for not having eflected the “total and radical reorganisa- tion of the material”. The complete form of the Sonata for Tico Pianos and Percussion is divided into “slow-fast-+slow-fast”* movements. The GS may therefore be expected to appear at the beginning of the second slow movement, Our expectations are wholly fulfiled; the time value of the compléte work is 6,492 eighth notes, and the GS is at the 3,975th cighth note: which is precisely where the movement begins. Fibonacci Series [All of us who have played Allegro Barbaro, have been troubled by the F¥ minor throbbing, extending over 8 or 5 or 3 or even: 13 bars, The proportion of [Link] 8: 1g contains a GS sequence, approximately expressed in natural numbers: the Fibonacci muders. A characteristic feature of this sequence is that every member is equal to the sum of the two preceding members: 2, 3) 51 85 135 215 Sty 555 89 ++» and farther, it approximates more and more to the irrational key-number of the GS* (the GS of 55 is 34 and that of 8g is 55)» Let us compare this sequence with the proportions of the fugue (Gist movement) of Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste, Starting pianissimo it gradually rises to forte-fortissimo, then again recedes to piano~pianissimo. The 8g bars of the movement are divided into segtions of 55 and 34 bars by the peak of this pyramid-like movement. From the point of view of colour and dynamic architecture the form sub-divides into further units: + The square of every numbers equal to the product ofthe preceding and Following nubers, ps or minus one, a7by the removal of the mute in the gath bar, and its use again in the 6gth bar. The section leading up to the climax (b, §5)shows a division of 34421, and that from the climax onwards, 13-421. ‘Thus, the longer part comes first in the rising section, while in the falling section it is the shorter part that precedes the longer, so the section-points tend towards the climax. Positive and negative sections fit together like the rise and fall of a single waves* ‘The proportions follow the Fibonacci series. Tt is no accident that the exposition ends with the axst bar and that the 21 bars concluding the movement are divided into 1348. ‘The proportions of Movement TIT of Music for Strings, Percussion and Colesta also reflect the Fibonacci series (if we calculate throughout in 4/4 bars and consider the occasional g/2 a8 1} bars). Its formal and corresponding geometrical structure is shown in Fig. 23. The 88 bars of the score must be completed by a whole-bar rest in accordance with the Bilow analyses of Beethoven, 28 0. 23 ‘The Fibonacci series reflects, in fact, the law of natural ‘growth, To take a simple example, If every branch of a tree, in fone year shoots a new branch, and these new branches are doubled after two years, the number of the branches shows the following yearly increase: 2 §, 5, 8; 13; 2% 34 +/+ “We follow nature in composition,” wrote Bartok, and was indeed directed by natural phenomena to his discovery of these regularities, He was constantly augmenting his collection of plants, insects and mineral specimens. Hie called the sunflower his favourite plant, and was extremely happy whenever he found fir-cones placed on his desk. According to Bartdk “also folk music is a phenomenon of nature. Its formations developed as spontaneously as other living natural organisms: the lowers, ‘animals, etc.” (“At the Sources of Folk Music””: 1925). “This is why the form-world of Bartok’s music reminds us most directly of natural pictures and formations. 39‘The GS of a circle, having 360°, subtends an angle of 222°5° on one hand, and 137°5? on the other. It can be observed in a large number of plants, e.g. palms, poplars, catkins, etc., that cach bud, twig or leaf subtends an angle of 137°5° with the next one. Also, each new branch divides the former ficlds of section according to the rules of GS: so twig 3 divides the right-hand field between x and 2; twig 4 the left-hand field between 1 and 125 twig 5 does the same with the field between 2 and , ad inf.* + The Fibonacci series appears this time as well: field between 2 and 3 is divided by 5, between 3 and 5 by 8, between 5 and 8 by 13 ete. 30 ewe consider the process of the fugue of Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta (analysed on pages 27-8) as a circum- volution,* its structure will surprisingly correspond to Fig. 24. Orlet us examine the diagrammatic sketch of the chambered shell of the cepalophod nautilus—Jules Verne was so interested in this sea shell that he named his famous Nautilus after it. ‘The diagonals drawn in any direction through the centre provide a pattern in which the centre always remains in the positive or negative GS section of the fields marked A-B, B-C, C-D, D-E, E-F, F-G. Io. 25 ‘This scheme is strikingly similar to the musical structures illustrated in Figs. 16 and 22. Also the theme moves round the circle of fithe—fiom the A centre back to the A centre, 3But the most revealing example is presented by the structure of the jircone. Proceeding from the centre ofits disc, logarithmic spirals are seen to move clockwise and anti-clockwise in a closed system where the numbers of the spirals always represent values of the Fibonacci series. 0, 268 2 (Ifwe turn the cone upside down, we can also sce the system of ‘two spirals along the junction lines of the scales), Each of the spiral systems contain all the scales of the cone. There are cones in which the numbers of the spirals present still higher series values: 3, 5, 8, 13) 21. mI Tat aac] Hp | tle eer 2 Sti 33Similar arrangements can be observed in sunflowers, daisies, ananas, etc., also in the convolutions of the stems of leaves on numerous plants. Frequently the serial numbers 21, 34 55+ 89 and even 144 and 29 are encountered in these spiral systems. For example, the sunflower has 34 petals and its spirals have the values of 21, 34; 55, 89, 144- Itis interesting to note that the GS is always associated only with organic matter and is quite foreign to the inorganic world.* * The irational number in the formula of GS precludes its occurrence in crystal forms. 4 The Use of Chords and Intervals Chromatic System ‘The study of these proportions leads us immediately to the question of Barték’s use of chords and intervals, His chromatic, system is based on the laws of GS and especially, Fibonacei’s numerical series. Calculated in semi-tones: 2 stands for a major second, 3» minor third, 5 » perfect fourth, 8 4, 4» minor sixth, 13. anaugmented octave, etc. For the present, the musical tissue may be imagined as built up exclusively of cells 2, 3, 5, 8, and 1g in size, with sub-divisions following the proportions provided by the above seties. Thus, the 8 may be broken up only into 5 +3. (The possibility of a division into 4+4 or 7+1 is precluded by the system.) 35