| The Cinq incantations pour flute seule by Andre Jolivet are the manifestation of many of the philosophical, spiritual, and musical ideas that occupied the composer early in his career. Somewhat of an auto-didact in philosophical matters, through his studies Jolivet became convinced of the power of music to affect the listener in such a way as to be a means of communication between people, a pathway to self-knowledge and a bridge to spiritual transcendence. He sought to capture the 'magic' that would allow a composition to work on the psyche, and even the physiology, of the listener.; This document will first describe the influences that impacted the development of Jolivet's early style: a fascination with other cultures (especially their music and ritual practices), an interest in ethnology, and studies in spirituality. These three interests resulted in the development of the musical philosophy that became the impetus for the compositions from his early period, 1934--1939, when the Cinq incantations were written.; An in-depth analysis of each incantation follows, concentrating on motivic development and how these motives work to express his extra-musical ideas.; Next, the document examines two specific compositional techniques which most obviously serve to further Jolivet's aims of creating a 'magic spell': repetition and juxtaposition of contrasting elements. Repetition has long been used as a means of reaching altered or ecstatic states; it works in these pieces in a similar way, serving to focus the mind like a chanted prayer or mantra. The juxtaposition of contrasting elements is so effective because it heightens the awareness of the listener while mimicking the constant motion and flux of our own inner lives.; The document concludes that Jolivet is successful in his aim of capturing both the programmatic theme of each incantation (evocations of singular moments in the life of a person and community, such as inter-personal communication, childbirth, daily labor, spirituality and death) and, on a deeper level, accessing the resonance of universal experiences. |
