Thinking about Harmony
Historical Perspectives on Analysis

Traces how music analysis evolved from responses of musicians to music written in 1800–1850.

David Damschroder (Author)

9780521888141, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 April 2008

342 pages
25 x 18 x 3 cm, 0.85 kg

"...I can highly recommend this oustanding volume to the curious reader...'Thinking About Harmony' is very good indeed." --Geary H. Larrick

Focusing on music written in the period 1800–1850, Thinking about Harmony traces the responses of observant musicians to the music that was being created in their midst by composers including Beethoven, Schubert, and Chopin. It tells the story of how a separate branch of musical activity - music analysis - evolved out of the desire to make sense of the music, essential both to its enlightened performance and to its appreciation. The book integrates two distinct areas of musical inquiry - the history of music theory and music analysis - and the various notions that shape harmonic theory are put to the test through practical application, creating a unique and intriguing synthesis. Aided by an extensive compilation of carefully selected and clearly annotated music examples, readers can explore a panoramic projection of the era's analytical responses to harmony, thereby developing a more intimate rapport with the period.

Preface
1. Chord identification
2. Chordal embellishment
3. Parallel and sequential progressions
4. Harmonic progression
5. Chordal hierarchy
6. Modulation to closely related keys
7. Chromatic chords: diminished/augmented
8. Chromatic chords: major and minor
Epilogue
Biographies.

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