UCLA

Helmut Lachenmann is the source of much discussion, particularly concerning aesthetics and dialectic theory, but little has been written about how to interpret his music. Interpretation is examined in this dissertation using the multiple percussion solo Int�rieur I. The challenges for the performer are to select and set up instruments and implements, identify appropriate performance strategies, and effectively articulate the underlying structure in a way that aligns with the notation, performance practice, and musique concr�te instrumentale aesthetic. This study provides suggested solutions to these challenges, including appropriate instrument selection, implement selection, setup, implement changing strategies, technical strategies, and recommendations for effectively articulating the structure.

An additional challenge to interpreting Lachenmann’s music is his rejection of musical conventions, particularly structure. To accommodate for this, a structure was defined by examining discontinuities in density, timbre (instrument, implement, and technique), tessitura, dynamics, texture, time, and qualitative parameters. An arc diagram was constructed that can assist performers in effectively articulating the structure of Int�rieur I.