The Craft of Musical Composition, Book 2: Exercises in Two-Part Writing (Paperback)

Paul Hindemith

ISBN 10: 0901938416 / ISBN 13: 9780901938411

Published by Schott, 1984

About this Item

Paperback. (Schott). Originally published in the 1940s, Paul Hindemith's remakable textbooks are still the outstanding works of their kind. In contrast to many musical textbooks written by academic musicians, these were produced by a man who could play every instrument of the orchestra, could compose a satisfying piece for almost every kind of ensemble, and who was one of the most stimulating teachers of his day. It is therefore not surprising that nearly forty years later these books should remain essential reading for the student and the professional musician. Preface * Construction of the Simplest One-Voice Melodic Patterns * Beginning of Two-Voice Setting * Elaborated Melody (Auxiliary or Teturning Tones, Passing Tones) * Elaborated Melody (Continuation) * Principles of Melodic Construction * Elaborated Melody (Conclusion) * Tonal Higher-Units * Tonality of the Melodies * Elaboration of the Melody Model * Free Two-Voice Setting I and II Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780901938411

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Craft of Musical Composition, Book 2: Exercises in Two-Part Writing (Paperback)
• Publisher: Schott
• Publication Date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0901938416
• ISBN 13: 9780901938411
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

The Craft of Musical Composition: Book 2 by composer and teacher Paul Hindemith is a respected music theory and composition study for serious students, composers, and professional musicians. First published in the 1940s and still widely referenced today, this volume continues Hindemith’s systematic approach to melodic construction and tonal organization, offering insight into how melodies are formed and structured within a tonal framework.

This book focuses on building and expanding melodic ideas through progressively more complex techniques. Readers explore the construction of simple one-voice melodic patterns, the development of two-voice settings, and the elaboration of melodic lines through auxiliary tones, returning tones, and passing tones. Hindemith also introduces concepts such as tonal higher-units, the tonality of melodies, and methods for expanding melodic models into developed musical ideas.

Rather than presenting abstract theory alone, Hindemith’s approach connects compositional principles directly to practical musical thinking. By examining how melodies function structurally and tonally, composers gain tools for writing clearer musical lines. Students studying classical composition and advanced music theory often find this volume valuable as a bridge between foundational theory and compositional practice.

Song List
Preface * Construction of the Simplest One-Voice Melodic Patterns * Beginning of Two-Voice Setting * Elaborated Melody (Auxiliary or Returning Tones, Passing Tones) * Elaborated Melody (Continuation) * Principles of Melodic Construction * Elaborated Melody (Conclusion) * Tonal Higher-Units * Tonality of the Melodies * Elaboration of the Melody Model * Free Two-Voice Setting I * Free Two-Voice Setting II