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The principle of self-similarity and the features of it’s implementation in a musical composition with fractals

Abstract

The research problems of the article are related to the study of fractals as one of the types of mathematical structures and their individual “composer reading” in music. The article provides an overview of scientific research sources devoted to the study of fractals in various forms of art and literature. In more detail, we are talking about the scientific literature, in which the patterns of fractal structures are considered in the projection on musical art, a proprietary classification of fractals in music is proposed. The author focuses on the principle of self–similarity, which most vividly reveals the patterns of fractals in chamber­instrumental compositions by composers of the XX–XXI centuries – D. Ligeti, P. Nergor, Cormann, A. Key. In the process of implementing the principle of self­similarity, the role of repetition in music (accurate or varied) is emphasized, which is manifested in various parameters of the organization of musical material: pitch, composition technique, principles of development and shaping. The research methodology is based on scientific works dealing with the embodiment of fractals in a work of art. A. Dukhno, Ye. Nikolaeva, Yu. Kirbaba, Yu. Dmitryukova), composition techniques in music of the XX–XXI centuries (S. Kurbatskaya, T. Frantova), features of shaping and dramaturgy (V. Kholopova, V. Zaderatsky).

About the Authors

Y. A. Yermak
Belarusian State Academy of Music
Belarus

Yelena A. Yermak, Master’s student, Piano, Composition and Musicology Faculty

220013, Minsk



A. A. Tikhomirova
Belarusian State Academy of Music
Belarus

Alla A. Tikhomirova, Cand. Sc. (Art Criticism), Associate Professor, Associate Professor of Department of Music Theory

220013, Minsk



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Review

For citations:


Yermak Y.A., Tikhomirova A.A. The principle of self-similarity and the features of it’s implementation in a musical composition with fractals. ARTE. 2025;(3):54-65. (In Russ.)

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