CONCEPTUAL ALBUM AS A VOCAL CYCLE: PECULIARITIES OF MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC INTEGRITY

Abstract

The purpose of the research. The paper develops a theoretical basis for studying the principles of cycling in conceptual albums, which expands the methodological tools for analysing music of the non-academic tradition. The research methodology consists in the application of theoretical, analytical and comparative methods, which made it possible to outline the principles of cycle organisation in conceptual albums. The scientific novelty of the study is that, based on the methodology developed in academic musicology, the principles of cycling in conceptual albums were established and their features were identified. Conclusions. Thanks to the works of Ukrainian researchers N. Hovorukhina, L. Horelik and I. Palkina, who laid the foundations for the study of academic vocal cycles and concept albums from the standpoint of their musical integrity, we can identify the specifics of concept album cycling. Among the extra-musical factors, we can single out the plot and plotless principles of cycle organisation, where the former brings the concept album closer to a rock opera. However, conceptual rock albums are more characterised by the absence of a storyline, and the lyrics are mostly a reflection of the lyrical protagonist’s personal experiences. Extramusical factors, such as storyline, characterisation and the use of poetic texts, have significant differences in academic and rock music: the latter is characterised by less developed plots, and rock performers rarely refer to classical poetry, as they are both authors of lyrics and music. The most important intramusical factors of cycling are the principle of contrast between songs, through development and compositional arches, which are common to academic vocal cycles and conceptual rock albums and ensure their musical integrity. We note the closeness of conceptual albums to other genres of academic music, in particular opera and cantata, which allows them to be considered in the context of intergenre interaction.