Course-of-Action and Genetic Criticism: An Analysis of the “Sweet Section” from “A Dream Within A Dream” (2012) by Tatiana Catanzaro

Abstract

This article analyzes the compositional process behind “A Dream Within A Dream” (2012), for orchestra and electronics, by Tatiana Catanzaro, focusing on the so-called “trecho doce” (“sweet section”), a passage that stands out for its instrumental writing, distinct from the rest of the piece. The investigation combines course-of-action analysis (THEUREAU, 2003; Idem, 2014; DONIN, THEUREAU, 2007) with genetic criticism (DONIN, FENEYROU, 2015; DONIN, FÉRON, 2012; TONI, 2007), proposing an integrated approach to overcome data collection challenges and highlighting its heuristic potential. Through re-enactment interviews based on material traces (POIZAT, MARTIN, 2020) and various digital files provided by the composer, the article reconstructs the development of the “trecho doce” across 36 versions of the score drafts. The analysis reveals how Catanzaro’s expectations regarding conductor Raoul Lay’s preferences initially led to more traditional writing, in contrast to the spectralist-inspired approach that shaped the rest of the piece (AUTHOR, 2023). The subsequent abandonment, and later resumption and reformulation of the section, reflect a transformation in the composer’s Involvement, indicating a partial overcoming of this expectation-of-the-expectation in favor of her own musical aspirations.