Proliferating series by Jean Barraqu\'e: a study and classification in mathematical terms

TL;DR

This paper explores the mathematical properties of Barraqué's proliferating series, revealing new invariants and possibilities for serialist composition beyond traditional interval-based methods.

Contribution

It provides a mathematical classification and analysis of proliferating series, highlighting their invariants and expanding the theoretical framework for serialist music.

Findings

Identifies permutation invariants in proliferating series

Shows increased interval variety compared to classic serialism

Provides a mathematical framework for exploring new serial techniques

Abstract

Barraqu\'e's proliferating series give an interesting turn on the concept of classic serialism by creating a new invariant when it comes to constructing the series: rather than the intervals between consecutive notes, what remains unaltered during the construction of the proliferations of the given base series is the permutation of the notes which happens between two consecutive series, that is to say, the transformation of the order of the notes in the series. This presents new possibilities for composers interested in the serial method, given the fact that the variety of intervals obtained by this method is far greater than that of classic serialism. In this manuscript, we will study some unexplored possibilities that the proliferating series offer from a mathematical point of view, which will allow composers to gain much more familiarity with them and potentially result in the creation of pieces that take serialism to the next level.