Order or Chaos? Examining the Expression of Aesthetic Value of the Harmonic Materials in Razak Abdul Aziz’s Etude No. 5 for Piano Solo
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Abstract
This study begins by providing an overview of music aesthetics across historical periods, from the philosophies of Plato to the perspectives of contemporary scholars. It presents a range of views on aesthetics in relation to both tonal and post-tonal music. The discussion then explores various theoretical frameworks proposed to examine aesthetic value in music and the arts. Among these, Deni Junaedi’s framework is selected to analyse the harmonic materials in Etude No. 5 for Piano Solo by Razak Abdul Aziz—a pioneering figure among Malaysian contemporary composers. This etude is part of his collection 5 Piano Etudes for Piano Solo. Using pitch-class set theory and prime form analysis, the study reveals that the harmonic materials are derived through a Sudoku-like manipulation of pitch-class sets—a compositional technique involving systematic permutations that resemble the logic of Sudoku puzzles. Although the piece exhibits a post-tonal language that may initially appear unstructured, the analysis uncovers an underlying canon structure, suggesting that the aesthetic expression of the harmonic material is rooted in the concept of “order.” As academic engagement with the works of Malaysian contemporary composers remains limited, this study contributes to the growing body of scholarship aimed at elevating such works within both local and global music canons.
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