Chapter 9 – Typology of form-building elements

Typology of form-building elements. Typologie des éléments constitutives des formes. Typologi av formdannende elementer.

EnglishFrançaisNorskDefinition
Typology of Form-building ElementsTypologie des éléments constitutifs des formesTypologi av formdannende elementerThe typology of form-building elements is firstly of all based on characterizing their complexity.Next, the contrast between (integral) whole and divided elements and the contrast between line and texture will be observed.
Very simple elementÉlément très simpleEnkelt elementExamples (lines): repetitive figures with one or a couple of pitches and even rhythmical values such as very simple accompaniment figures; (texture): single chords, monophony or basic homophony
Relatively simple elementÉlément relativement simpleRelativt enkelt elementExamples (lines): articulated yet simple figures such as scales/passages or refined accompaniment figures; (texture): heterophony, or homophony with slight polyphonic elements.
Moderately complex elementÉlément légèrement compléxeRelativt komplisert elementExamples (lines): a classical, simple theme; (texture): a simple two- or three-part polyphony.
Relatively complex elementÉlément très compléxeMeget komplisert elementExamples (lines): complex themes with great diversity of pitch and rhythm; (texture): complex polyphony.
Very complex elementÉlément hyper-compléxeOverkomplekst elementExamples (lines): extremely asymmetric/irregular lines using a large number of values in an unpredictable manner; (texture): accumulations in electroacoustic and avant-garde music.
Paradoxically complex elementÉlément de complexité paradoxalElementer med paradoksal kompleksitetVery complex and the very simple meet in a paradoxical, ambivalent union. Ex.: Elements with myriad details, but with a perceptually simple overall character.
Distinctive / Articulated elementÉlément distinctif / articuléDistinktivt / artikulert elementArticulated elements consists of a number of pertinent details, Distinctive elements are i.e. thematic elements.

Form-Building Transformations. Transformations constitutive des formes. Formdannende transformasjoner.

EnglishFrançaisNorskDefinition
SimplificationSimplificationForenklingSee illustrations in figure below
ComplicationComplicationKomplisering
PartitioningDivisionOppdeling
IntegrationIntégrationIntegrasjon
FragmentationFragmentationFragementering
SynthesisSynthèseSyntese
ProliferationProliférationSpredning
CollectionAssemblementSamling
FusionFusionFusjon
FissionFissionFisjon
AnamorphosisAnamorphoseAnamorfose
CatamorphosisCatamorphoseKatamorfose
LiquidationLiquidationLikvidering
CrystallizationCristallisationKrystallisering