A Grammar of Music
To which are Prefixed Observations Explanatory of the Properties and Powers of Music as a Science and of the General Scope and Object of the Work

The 1826 second edition of a primer on music theory and the principles of composition, intended as reference work for amateurs and professionals.

Thomas Busby (Author)

9781108061582, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 June 2013

390 pages, 50 music examples
21.6 x 14 x 2.2 cm, 0.5 kg

The writer, composer and organist Thomas Busby (1754–1838) is best remembered for his highly entertaining Concert Room and Orchestra Anecdotes (1825), which paints a vivid picture of musical life at the time. The son of a coach painter, Busby was originally articled to the composer Jonathan Battishill but found the experience unrewarding. His compositions (many now lost) include songs, theatre music, The Divine Harmonist, and the oratorios The Prophecy and Britannia. Throughout his working life he continued his extensive literary activities, musical and otherwise, contributing to journals such as the Monthly Magazine and Public Characters, and publishing several books, among them A General History of Music (also reissued in this series). First published in 1818, the present work is a primer on music theory and the principles of composition. Busby intended it to be 'a compendium … modern and amusing in its style … to impart knowledge and facilitate execution'. Reissued here is the second edition of 1826.

Preface
Preface to the first edition
Preliminary observations
1. Melody and its elementary principles
2. The science of harmony.

Subject Areas: Music reviews & criticism [AVC]