Serialism

A clear, non-technical introduction to serialism - a key topic in music studies for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Arnold Whittall (Author)

9780521682008, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 16 October 2008

300 pages, 149 music examples
24.6 x 17.3 x 1.2 cm, 0.6 kg

'Cambridge University Press - and more specifically Victoria Cooper, the senior commissioning editor for music and theatre - is to be congratulated for formulating the idea of an 'Introduction to Music' series. Indeed, if Arnold Whittall's excellent Serialism is anything to go by - the first book in the series and in every respect its guiding light - then clearly we have much to look forward to in future publications … it is Whittall's consummate skill as a writer and his considerable knowledge of the subject matter that ensures that this approach works as well as it does … Serialism fulfils its role as an introductory text with great aplomb and rigorous academic integrity.' Musical Times

From the earliest years of the 20th century composers sought ways in which to break from earlier musical traditions. Serialism is one of the most prominent innovations resulting from this. From Schoenberg to Stockhausen, Berg to Boulez, this introduction tells the story of how serialism emerged, and provides a basic outline of serial compositional techniques. • Introduces serialism - a traditionally complex but key area of music studies - in a thorough and straightforward way • Clearly and concisely describes the technical aspects of serialism, using illustrative music examples • Contains a glossary to aid readers unfamiliar with specialised vocabulary.

Preface
1. Introducing the Introduction
2. Schoenberg's path to the twelve-tone method
3. Serialism in close-up
4. Schoenberg in the 1920s
5. Alban Berg. Reverence and resistance
6. Anton Webern. Discipline and license
7. The later Schoenberg
8. American counterpoints I
9. American counterpoints II
10. European repercussions I
11. European repercussions II
12. European repercussions III
13. European repercussions IV
14. European repercussions V
Glossary.

Subject Areas: Theory of music & musicology [AVA], Music [AV]