"Tonality, Atonality and the Ainulindalë", Reuven Naveh

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

That's how I understand the recapitulation, Aiwendil - at the end of Arda.

Definitely agreed, that's exactly what I thought as well. Actually right now I am about halfway through this chapter, and I have been wondering why the author didn't mention this obvious parallel (as he mentioned the exposition and development, and continued on saying that it makes sense that the Music didn't include the recapitulation, as it reflected the history of Arda to a certain point where the history is still going on - so I would have expected him to logically conclude with mentioning the Second Music, where Eru's themes will be "set right". I have been wondering whether he is not going to mention this later in the essay, but judging from your comments, it seems that he didn't. Most puzzling).

Otherwise, at least this far, I must say that sometimes I feel the parallels and comparisons the author draws a little bit forced at some points (referring of course to Das Rheingold - I must say that made me want to listen to that, as I have to confess, I am not so familiar with this particular part (for some reason I am most familiar with the end of Die Walküre - I am also infamous for having been caught several times singing/yelling "Loge, hör")). However, the author does not seem to be pressing it too much and the points are good overall. In any case, I like this chapter as well and it is enlightening nicely again from a musician's point of view, as somebody had mentioned here.

Anyway... I hope to find some time to slip in and write something more here when I finish reading this one.