Ru
EnI. Zavada, T. Shak
Meter-rhythm as a factor of dramaturgy in the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” by A. Lloyd-Webber
Based on the analysis of the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” by A. Lloyd-Webber, the article reveals the role of metro rhythm as an important factor in dramaturgy and style. Despite the completeness of previous works on this work, the assessment of meter-rhythm as a fundamental component of rock and pop music styles did not become the subject of a separate study. The purpose of this article, based on the poly-stylistic nature of this work, with the dominance of rock stylistics in it, is to dwell on the meter-rhythmic component of rock opera and, in the system of musical language, to actualize this particular means as fundamental in this work and influencing the structuring of musical themes, style and the dramatic process in general. An analysis of the sizes, pulsations, grooves expressed in the parts of the instruments of the rhythm section reveals the deep dramatic processes of the “Superstar”. The opposition of swing and even sense of time with different types of pulsation form two antagonistic pairs: sin/righteousness, faith/unbelief. Changing the sense of time in numbers with the same musical material becomes the most important tool for working with leitmotifs, which helps to complicate the internal psychological action of each of the characters, taking it beyond the scope of solo arias and poetic text. The size becomes a tool for individualizing the parties of actors, highlighting them against the background of the crowd, and correlating the individual and the people. Thus, when analyzing the musical material, it becomes possible to close the existing “blank spots” in the author’s concept of the tandem A. Lloyd-Webber – T. Rice in the interpretation of this “eternal” plot.
In addition to theoretical significance in revealing the meter-rhythmic features of the composer’s work in this genre, the article also has practical significance for conductors, instrumentalists, and vocalists in terms of performing approaches to interpreting the work.
Key words
musical, rock opera, dramaturgy, swing, groove, leitmotif, meter-rhythm, tine style.
For citation
Zavada I., Shak T. Meter-rhythm as a factor of dramaturgy in the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” by A. Lloyd-Webber // South-Russian Musical Anthology. 2023. No. 1. Pp. 117-125.
