Research On Compositional Technique And Form In Dutilleux’s Works

As one of the most important French composers in late 20th century, Henri Dutilleux didn’t belong to any compositional school nor trend. But he had been respected and loved by both musicians and common people by his artistic and audible works. And his works are valuable to study from perspective of compositional practice.The main part of this dissertation is the research of Dutilleux’s compositional techniques and the form, using his 4 works:Metaboles, violin concerto L’arbre des songes, string quartet Ainsi la Nuit and Correspondances, for Soprano and orchestra for example. Aim to master the characteristic of his style, and give him a proper evaluation in 20th music history.Dutilleux use the technique called Progressive growth to construct his works. It’s the main part of his innovation. But at the same time, traditional form has still been very important in his works. It’s the conservative side of his work. Combined with these two sides successfully, Dutilleux’s works could been comprehended with the connection of form, which had been formed in progressive growth. It’s the most valuable factor in Dutilleux’s work and inspiration from the style of his works.