The Technique of Chromatic Completion in Haydn's Late Masses

Authors

Edward Green

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Frequently in his late vocal music—in all genres large and small, sacred and secular—Haydn employs chromatic completion. By which is meant that there are structural units, cycles of musical time, defined within by the gradual unfolding of all twelve members of the chromatic aggregate. What is remarkable is that the twelfth and “completing” tone arrives in a manner that has clear structural and expressive significance. So much so, one is led to the conclusion that these cycles are hardly accidental; but, instead, were central to the composer’s artistic designs.

Recommended Citation

Green, Edward (2011) "The Technique of Chromatic Completion in Haydn's Late Masses," HAYDN: Online Journal of the Haydn Society of North America: Vol. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://remix.berklee.edu/haydn-journal/vol1/iss1/1