Meaning: This quote by John Corigliano, a renowned American composer, provides insight into his creative process and compositional tendencies. By stating that eighty percent of his pieces gravitate towards an A as a tonal center, Corigliano offers a glimpse into his approach to tonality and harmonic structure in his music.

John Corigliano is known for his diverse and innovative body of work, which encompasses symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and film scores. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music, multiple Grammy Awards, and an Academy Award for Best Original Score. His music is characterized by its emotional depth, technical virtuosity, and a keen sense of drama.

In the quote, Corigliano's reference to eighty percent of his pieces gravitating towards an A as a tonal center sheds light on his use of tonality as a foundational element in his compositions. Tonal centers serve as points of stability and orientation within a musical work, providing a sense of resolution and coherence. By identifying A as a recurring tonal center in his music, Corigliano reveals a consistent harmonic tendency that shapes the overall character of a significant portion of his oeuvre.

It is worth noting that the concept of tonality has been a central feature of Western classical music for centuries. Tonal centers, or key centers, serve as the gravitational focal points around which musical phrases and harmonic progressions revolve. The establishment and manipulation of tonal centers are crucial aspects of compositional technique, influencing the emotional impact and structural organization of a piece.

Corigliano's statement suggests that the tonal center of A holds particular significance for him as a composer. While some composers may consciously choose to work within specific tonalities to convey certain moods or emotions, others may find themselves naturally drawn to certain tonal centers as a reflection of their individual musical sensibilities. In Corigliano's case, the gravitational pull towards A as a tonal center may stem from a combination of artistic intuition, personal inclination, and the expressive qualities he associates with that specific tonality.

Furthermore, the quote implies that the tonal center of A is not necessarily established at the beginning of a piece, but rather emerges or evolves at some point within the composition. This dynamic approach to tonality suggests a fluid and organic relationship between tonal centers and the overall trajectory of Corigliano's music. Rather than adhering to rigid tonal structures, he allows the tonal center to manifest itself as a natural outgrowth of the musical narrative, contributing to the sense of musical unfolding and development.

Corigliano's assertion offers valuable insight into the inner workings of his creative mind and the recurring tonal characteristics that define a significant portion of his musical output. It provides a glimpse into the complexities of his compositional process and the deliberate choices that shape the harmonic and tonal landscape of his compositions.

In conclusion, John Corigliano's statement about the gravitational pull towards A as a tonal center in the majority of his pieces illuminates his distinctive approach to tonality and harmonic structure. By delving into the significance of tonal centers and their dynamic role in his music, Corigliano offers a window into the compositional principles that underpin his artistry. This quote serves as a testament to the depth of thought and intentionality that permeate Corigliano's work, enriching our understanding of his creative vision and the enduring impact of his music.