Rigidity and Fluidity of the Musical Canon: A Study of SymphonyOrchestra Repertoire Open Access

Abstract

Researchers have long debated the current and future status of symphony orchestras by studying orchestra repertoire choices. Previous studies identify two distinct conclusions about the repertoire: rigidity as demonstrated by an increasing reliance upon the canonic works and fluidity as demonstrated by a move away from the traditional canon. To provide further clarity, this study addresses the 2005-2006 orchestra season and expands upon previous literature by defining innovation in a broader way. Using data provided by the League of American Orchestras, I find that a move towards fluidity or rigidity depends on numerous organizational factors. Orchestras that perform more distinct programs throughout the year are significantly more likely to move away from the canon than their peer orchestras. Likewise, older orchestras are also able to move beyond the canon and perform lesser performed works. Overall, it appears that orchestras are increasingly relying upon both rigid (i.e., the canon) and fluid (i.e., innovative programming) programming to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Table of Contents

Introduction....................................................................................1

Literature Review.............................................................................3

Study Groundwork............................................................................11

Data and Methods ...........................................................................14

Results...........................................................................................20

Descriptive Trends for the Past Five to Ten Years...................................21

Regression Analysis...........................................................................23

1.) Herfindahl Index - Total Population...................................................23

2.) Conformity Index - Total Population..................................................24 3.) Herfindahl Index - Tiers 1 and 2 Only................................................25 4.) Conformity Index - Tiers 1 and 2 Only...............................................26

Discussion.......................................................................................27 Works Cited.....................................................................................33

Appendix - Tables and Charts...............................................................36 TABLE 1: League of American Orchestra Tier Guidelines............................36 TABLE 2: Regression Models................................................................37 TABLE 3: Percentage of All Performances by the Top Ten Composers..........38 CHART 1: Percent of Top Ten Composers by Year...................................39 TABLE 4: Ten Most Frequently Produced Composers by Year.....................40 TABLE 5: Herfindahl and Percentage of Top Five Composers 2001-06..........41 TABLE 6: OLS Regression Estimates for the 2005-2006 Orchestral Year based on the Herfindahl Index of All Orchestras.......................................42 TABLE 7: OLS Regression Estimates for the 2005-2006 Orchestral Year based on the Conformity Index of All Orchestras.....................................43 TABLE 8: OLS Regression Estimates for the 2005-2006 Orchestral Year based on the Herfindahl Index of Tier 1 and 2 Orchestras Only...................44 TABLE 9: OLS Regression Estimates for the 2005-2006 Orchestral Year based on the Conformity Index of Tier 1 and 2 Orchestras Only..................45 CHART 2: Flowchart to Predict Avenues of Innovation..............................46

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School	Laney Graduate School
Department	Sociology
Degree	MA
Submission	Dissertation
Language	English
Research Field	Sociology, Organizational Music
Keyword	Orchestra Repertoire Canon Rigidity Fluidity Music Sociology Innovation Symphony Maintenance
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dowd, Timothy J, Emory University
Committee Members	Scott, Tracy L, Emory University Stewart, Scott A, Emory University Hicks, Alexander, Emory University

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