Interpolation (music)

In music and musical composition, especially 20th century and later, interpolation is an abrupt change of elements, with (almost immediate) continuation of the first ideaWittlich, Gary E. (ed.) (1975). "Aspects of Twentieth-century Music", p.48 n.12 and p.49. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall. ISBN 0-13-049-346-5.] . Pieces which are sited as feature interpolation among other techniques are "Music for Brass Quintet" by Gunther Schuller and "Threnody: To the Victims of Hiroshima" by Krzysztof Penderecki, both (1960-61)Wittlich, Gary E. (ed.) (1975). "Aspects of Twentieth-century Music", p.48 n.12 and p.49. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall. ISBN 0-13-049-346-5.] .

For music of the Classical period, "interpolation" is defined in the context of a musical sentence or period as, "unrelated material inserted between two logically succeeding functions." [William E. Caplin, "Classical Form: A Theory of Formal Functions for the Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven", p. 255.]

This device is commonly used to extend what would normally be a regular phrase into an irregular and extended phrase. Such expansion by interpolation is achieved by the addition of extra music in the middle of a phrase (commonly through the use of sequence). A clear example exists in the second movement of Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 10, K.330.Fact|date=July 2008

Formerly, in the sung portions of the Mass, such as the introit or kyrie, it was permissible, especially during the medieval period, to amplify a liturgical formula by interpolating a "farse" (from Medieval Latin "farsa", forcemeat), [ [http://www.lexic.us/definition-of/farse Farse: Definition with Farse Pictures and Photos.] Lexicus - Word Definitions for Puzzlers and Word Lovers.] Clarifyme|date=July 2008|where in that article? also called " trope". [ [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15065a.htm "Catholic Encyclopedia: Trope".] New Advent.] This might consist of an explanatory phrase or verse, usually in the form of an addition or paraphrase, often in the vulgar language.

In the classical suite, consisting strictly of the allemande, courante, saraband and gigue, composers often interpolated a gavotte, bourrée, minuet, musette or passepied.Fact|date=July 2008

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