Search parameters

"Schenker's unique view of a musical composition is that works that are tonal and exhibit mastery are 'projections' in time of a single element: the tonic triad. The projection of this triad comprises two processes, its transformation into a two-part 'fundamental structure' called the Ursatz, and the 'elaboration' (Auskomponierung) of the structure by one technique or more of Prolongation. The Ursatz is made up of a linear descent to the root of the triad--the 'fundamental line' (Urlinie)--accompanied by an 'arpeggiation' in the bass (Bassbrechung), from the tonic to the dominant and back to the tonic. In the simplest form of the Ursatz the linear descent begins with the 3rd of the tonic triad, and each note in it is accompanied by one chord in the bass...in practice the elaboration begins with the structure in an already articuluated form, reprresenting the 'background' (Hintergrund) of the work." (New Grove)