Transcendent principle

"A transcendent principle...dictates the choice of a theoretical framework, and according to a plot that orients the way the analysis unfolds." (Nattiez 1990, p.201)

Nattiez (1990) gives numerous examples of transcendent principles in musical analysis, for example the overtone series, undertone series, the circle of fifths, and other models of pitch space are often used. Many transcendent principles are evident in analysis of the Tristan chord or motif.

Compare

• Metanarrative

Source

• Nattiez, Jean-Jacques (1990). Music and Discourse: Toward a Semiology of Music (Musicologie générale et sémiologue, 1987). Translated by Carolyn Abbate (1990). ISBN 0-691-02714-5.

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