Harmony

This widely acclaimed and widely used book is here presented in its completely revised and reset Third Edition. The text has been reworded and expanded wherever it seemed that a clearer exposition might be achieved. Additional examples and exercises are offered. The order of chapters has been altered slightly, to give an earlier acquaintance with inversions of triads, and with non-harmonic tones. A new final chapter presents a broader concept of tonality based on principles already learned, and a wider view of the scope of a tonal center, necessary for an approach to the study of harmony as used by composers of the twentieth century.

The fundamental philosophy and principles upon which this study of harmony rests are unchanged and reaffirmed in the light of twenty years' use of the book in teaching. As before, Mr. Piston's primary concern is to provide an understanding of the common practice of composers, in matters of harmony, as observed in music of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Among the special features of the book are the author's treatment of the question of harmonic rhythm, and his simplification of the principle of modulation. He places emphasis on the construction of harmonic phrases, rather than on the harmonization of given melodies, as the most important kind of exercise, although both are included in the written problems for the student's performance.

Walter Piston is Emeritus Professor of Music at Harvard University and has twice received the Pulitzer Prize in Music. The work of this eminent composer is regularly being performed by the leading orchestras and chamber ensembles both here and abroad.