Kognitiva strukturer i Olof Åhlströms sonater

Nutida teorier för analys av satstekniska konventioner i komposition av wienklassisk musik

Abstract

In this paper it is assumed that the 16 piano and piano/violin sonatas by the Swedish composer Olof Åhlström (1756-1835) have been composed by replicating existing music, following standardized patterns. Three recent theories are combined into a model for the analysis of the cognitive processes of musical composition, a field in which little research has been done. Schema theory (Gjerdingen) provides the concept of cognitive schemata. Conventional roles of formal units in classical music works are defined by the theory of formal functions (Caplin). Finally, tools from the theory of recombination (Meyer) are applied to musical novelty. Examples are provided from the Åhlström sonatas.