Becoming Heinrich Schenker
Music Theory and Ideology

This book traces the interrelationships of Schenker's entire theoretical work and ideology while emphasizing fundamental differences between his mature and early theory.

Robert P. Morgan (Author)

9781107640801, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 March 2017

296 pages, 61 music examples
24.3 x 17 x 1.5 cm, 0.61 kg

'Morgan's writing is clear, concise, well-organized, and persuasive … Throughout his book, Morgan shows impressive command of primary and secondary literature and provides thoughtful commentary on the controversy surrounding Schenker … Morgan's work is knowledgeable, accessible, and provocative.' Brien Weiner, Notes: Quarterly Journal of the Music Library Association

Much controversy surrounds Schenker's mature theory and its attempt to explain musical pitch motion. Becoming Heinrich Schenker brings a new perspective to Schenker's theoretical work, showing that ideas characteristic of his mature theory, although in many respects fundamentally different, developed logically out of his earlier ideas. Robert P. Morgan provides an introduction to Schenker's mature theory and traces its development through all of his major publications, considering each in detail and with numerous music examples. Morgan also explores the relationship between Schenker's theory and his troubled ideology, which crucially influenced the evolution of his ideas and was heavily dependent upon both the empirical and idealist strains of contemporary German philosophical thought. Relying where possible on quotations from Schenker's own words, this book offers a balanced approach to his theory and a unique overview of this central music figure, generally considered to be the most prominent music theorist of the twentieth century.

Preface
Part I. Theory: 1. Introduction
2. Schenker's final theory
Part II. Development: 3. 'Der Geist der musikalischen Technik'
4. Die Harmonielehre
5. Kontrapunkt I and II
6. The monographs
7. Der Tonwille and Das Meisterwerk in der Musik
8. Der Freie Satz
Part III. Reconsideration: 9. Critical assessment: ideology
10. Critical assessment: theory
11. Conclusion
Appendix: German originals.

Subject Areas: Western philosophy, from c 1900 - [HPCF], Techniques of music / music tutorials [AVS], Theory of music & musicology [AVA]