JAVS Spring 2026

Figure 3. Histogram of Meters mm. 25-31 , Thomas Adès, Berceuse no. 2

merely as a structural device, but as a primary vehicle for dramatic meaning and interpretive agency.

Performance Implications for the Violist From a performer’s perspective, Adès’ meters initially posed significant challenges. The 1/6 measures occur among more familiar meters, underscoring their purposeful distinctiveness. For instance, the first 1/6 measure in the Berceuse appears between two 4/4 measures. Adès’ explanation that “time signatures with /6 indicate quantities of single triplet quarter-note subdivisions of the bar” clarifies that 1/6 represents two-thirds of a quarter note. 15 When these measures are framed by regular quarter-note pulses, it becomes easier to internalize their duration and execute them accurately. Conclusion: Reflection and Interpretive Synthesis In conclusion, Adès’ use of the 1/6 measure creates a persistent state of forward pressure and instability that mirrors the opera’s broader challenge to rational certainty and social convention. These unconventional meters— both in the passages examined here and across the work as a whole—form a central expressive framework, shaping musical pacing while directing the performer’s physical and interpretive choices. Ultimately, this study highlights how rhythmic design in Adès’ Three Berceuses operates not

I found it essential to connect the lyrics of The Exterminating Angel to the Berceuses in order to inform my approach to Adès’ rhythms. Beyond rhythmic understanding, access to the libretto and knowledge of the opera’s dramatic context proved invaluable. Once I incorporated the lyrics into my score and understood Adès’ dynamics, expressive markings, harmonic language, and meters as vehicles for storytelling, the piece became more vivid and approachable. Having performed the complete Three Berceuses from The Exterminating Angel , I believe that integrating the opera’s text into the performer’s interpretive process is crucial for fully appreciating the depth and power of Adès’ work. I hope this research encourages more violists to explore this remarkable composition despite its unconventional meters, and to seek connections across artistic disciplines as a means of deepening cultural understanding and empathy.

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 42, No. 1, Spring 2026

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