Abstract:

Most of analytic tools developped during this century are exclusively devoted to pitch structure. lt is however an evidence that, at least since Debussy, forming and linking complex abstract sound-objects are too decisive composing features. This paper exposes the basis of a computer-aided information and evaluation method which may bring out significant data for an objetive analysis of the formal functions of these sound-objects. The Prelude La Cathédrale engloutie , by Debussy, exemplifies the way this method can contribute to high-level structure understanding.