The Need for a Gesture Theory in Music

Abstract

Thinking is essentially a practice of making. We can also make in different ways, such as through actions which we call gestures. Western modern notation has its origin in Gregorian neumes, but music does not see such significant gestural advancements until more recent times. Through modernity, creators have come to rediscover gestures as fundamental components of artistic, and in particular musical, creation. We will analyze theories and thoughts, from Adorno to Hatten, passing through Chopin’s performances and ending with Mazzola’s contribution both as performer as well as theorist and research director.