Metrical Dissonance in the Works of Carl Nielsen. A Metrical Analysis of 'Sinfonia Espansiva', First Movement

Abstract

Carl Nielsen’s music is known to be ambiguous in the harmonic department as well as in the metric. This article endeavors how Nielsen works with metrical irregularities, in the first movement of Sinfonia Espansiva, in order to create tension/relief- progressions, forward driven motions and finally sectional divisions. At several occasions in the music, Nielsen emancipates the notated meter and allows interaction between underlying layers to take over the metric control. The article provides a metrical map with form divisions according to the classic sonata form, and illustrates how metrical dissonances can indicate how and when sectional borders appear. The analysis is made based on theory by Dr. Harald Krebs, who has developed a useful analytic tool for this kind of musical research.