The raised fourth degree of the scale in Chopin's mazurkas

Abstract

English: This article focuses on the raised fourth or Lydian scale degree of the scale in Chopin's mazurkas from the viewpoint of the stylised mazurka's fusion of folkloric elements and nineteenth-century tonal language. A brief exposition of the functions of the raised fourth and its integradon into the tonal structures of the mazurkas is given. An investigation of the raised fourth in three selected mazurkas reveals a significant expansion of its role musical meaning, function and effect, As an authentic, modal, structural, motivic and form-generating device, it is in terms of integral to tonal elaboration, development, unification, colouration and contrast.

Afrikaans: Hierdie arkrikel fokus op die verhoogde vierde of Lidiese toonleertrap in Chopin se mazurkas vanuit die oogpunt van die gestileerde mazurka wat 'n versmelting van folkloristiese elemente met negentiende-eeuse tonale taal behels. 'n Kort uireensetting van die funksies van die verhoogde vierde en die integrasie daarvan in die tonale strukture van die mazurkas word gegee. 'n Ondersoek van drie geselekteerde mazurka toon 'n beduidende uitbouing van die verhoogde vierde se rol betreffende musikale betekenis, funksie en effek. As outentieke, modale, strukrurele, motiwiese en vorm-genererende middel vorm die 'n integrale deel van tonale uitbreiding, ontwikkeling, eenheid, kleuring en kontras.