Description

Essays discuss Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, early instruments, and music history, theory, and education

Description

Years after Walter Piston's passing, his legacy continues to resonate through the pride of his students and their successors in the enduring relevance of his teachings. While the book has evolved over time, its fundamental approach and core content remain intact. The fourth edition notably introduced seven new chapters, including four that explore the intricate topic of harmony beyond the common practice, a subject absent in earlier editions. Nevertheless, the book's foundation still lies in its comprehensive examination of common-practice harmony, which is central to most introductory courses in tonal harmony. This latest edition features a thorough revision aimed at enhancing clarity and illuminating key principles, allowing readers to engage with the material at a more measured pace, reflected in the book's more spacious layout. Additionally, new exercises and music examples have been incorporated into the initial chapters, alongside a completely new chapter on musical texture to address challenges faced by novice students. The reorganization of chapters on harmonic rhythm and phrase structure, along with a concise summary of analytical methods, further enriches the text. While traditionally regarded as an introductory textbook, its extensive scope also makes it a valuable reference resource. Mastering the practices of composers—a fundamental objective of harmony studies—remains an ongoing endeavor, yet the journey offers intellectual and artistic rewards at every stage.

Description

Description

This revised and expanded text implements programmed instruction techniques across the full range of fundamental music theory concepts, enabling beginners—whether studying independently or with a teacher—to lay a solid foundation for more advanced studies. Additionally, it provides advanced students with an opportunity to revisit and reinforce their understanding of essential music theory principles.

Description

Examines the development of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and profiles his life