Harmony

Rating:
Summary: A different approach to music theory and composition
Review: For the studied musician or composer, this book offers a new approach to the way we veiw both music theory and composition. Schenker begins with a detailed description of how we perceive music based on the natural laws of overtones. He then demonstrates how the "old systems", i.e. the church modes no longer, or ever really could be consisdered as independant systems of tonality. The only valid systems are the major and the minor. The first half encompasses his broad yet clarifying theories and the second half demonstrates these theories in practical applications. The concepts of "compositional unfolding" and many others have increased my understanding and comprehension of theory as it should be.....the way Bach, Beethoven, and many of the greats perceived it before Ramaeu. This is definetly worth the time!

Rating:
Summary: for the specialist only
Review: Schenker's special theories were still largely undeveloped when he wrote this. Begin with INTRODUCTION TO SCHENKERIAN ANALYSIS by Allen Forte. Or if you just want to learn basic music theory use Robert Ottman's ELEMENTARY HARMONY and ADVANCED HARMONY or an early edition (unmangled by Mark Devoto) of Walter Piston's HARMONY. Readers interested in music theory will probably also want to look at PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.