Debussy in Proportion: A Musical Analysis

Dr. Roy Howat

ISBN 10: 0521232821 / ISBN 13: 9780521232821

Published by Cambridge University Press/ Published by the Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK, et al., 1983

About this Item

239 + x pp. A rare, hard-to-find, out-of-print, true collectible gem! A great, almost spotlessly clean copy and dust jacket! Solidly and tightly bound, essentially and nearly flawless copy and dust jacket with minimal internal and external wear and use. Copy with crisp pages, clean text, and light shelf wear. Smooth covers. Dust jacket shows minimal/ minor or light wear around edges.

Seller Inventory # 1ivCe0044

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Debussy in Proportion: A Musical Analysis
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press/ Published by the Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK, et al.
• Publication Date: 1983
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521232821
• ISBN 13: 9780521232821
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Leonard Lawrence (Jacket Design); 'The Whirlpools At Awa' From Andô Hiroshige (Jacket Illustration)
• Edition: 1st Published: 1983
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

This is the first paperback edition of Roy Howat's stimulating and provocative study of Debussy's unorthodox use of musical form. Throught detailed analyses of the piano pieces Reflets dans l'eau and L'isle joyeuse and the symphonic poem La mer, Dr Howat shows how the pieces are built precisely and intricately around the two ratios of Golden Section and bisection so that the music is organised in various geometrical patterns which contribute substantially to its expansive and dramatic impact. The final chapter traces evidence of whether the proportional systems were designed consciously, and if so, where and why Debussy might have learnt such techniques. The evidence includes his involvement in the Symbolist movement and in esotericism.

Book Description

An analysis that accounts precisely for the nature of Debussy's musical forms and how forms of different works are related. Geometric systems found here throw new light on Debussy's intense interest in the other arts and provide links with artists he admired in other fields.