Structural functions of harmony - Hardcover

Schoenberg, Arnold

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0510359108 ISBN 13: 9780510359102

Publisher: Ernest Benn Ltd, 1969

Synopsis

This book is Schoenberg's last completed theoretical work and represents his final thoughts on the subject of classical and romantic harmony.

The earlier chapters recapitulate in condensed form the principles laid down in his Theory of Harmony; the later chapters break entirely new ground, for they analyze the system of key relationships within the structure of whole movements and affirm the principle of "monotonality," showing how all modulations within a movement are merely deviations from, and not negations of, its main tonality.

Schoenberg's argument is supported by music examples, which range from entire development sections of classical symphonies to analyses of the experimental harmonic progressions of Strauss, Debussy, Reger, and Schoenberg's own early music. The final chapter, "Apollonian Evaluation of a Dionysian Epoch," discusses the music of our time, with particular reference to the possibility of new methods of harmonic analysis.

Structural Functions of Harmony is a standard work on its subject and provides an invaluable key to the development of musical structure during the last two hundred and fifty years. This new edition, with corrections, a new preface, and an index of subject headings, has been prepared under the editorial supervision of Leonard Stein.

About this title

About the Author

Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951) was an Austrian composer, later moving to the United States, and was leader of the Second Viennese School. In the 1920s, Schoenberg developed the twelve-tone technique, and his approach, both in terms of harmony and development, is among the major landmarks of twentieth-century musical thought. The extraordinary scope of Schoenberg's intelligence, and the often prophetic character of his insights, make his writings on music an indispensable source for anyone interested in the complex history of twentieth-century music.Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951) was an Austrian composer, later moving to the United States, and was leader of the Second Viennese School. In the 1920s, Schoenberg developed the twelve-tone technique, and his approach, both in terms of harmony and development, is among the major landmarks of 20th century musical thought. The extraordinary scope of Schoenberg's intelligence, and the often prophetic character of his insights, make his writings on music an indispensable source for anyone interested in the complex history of 20th century music.

Edition details

• Publisher: Ernest Benn Ltd
• Publication date: 1969
• ISBN 10: 0510359108
• ISBN 13: 9780510359102
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 240