Schenker and the Quest for Accuracy
Semper idem sed non eodem modo
What Price Consistency?
Schenker and 'The Myth of Scales'
"Pleasure is the Law"
Renaturalizing Schenkerian Theory
Matthew Brown is Professor of Music Theory at the Eastman School of Music.
The question that Matthew Brown has set himself to answer is,
basically, just how fundamental Schekerian analysis actually is. .
. He seeks nothing less than a rigorous examination of the theory
to see if it is logically consistent, sufficiently explanatory
without being unneccessarily complex, and ultimately useful. . . .
His range is enormous, and one cannot do adequate justice to what
has been achieved here without detailed musical exemplification.
The musical repertory ranges from early Baroque to the twentieth
century.
*MUSIC AND LETTERS, May 2008*
Explaining Tonality is a cogent, concise, and eminently readable
study of one of music theory's most important subjects. Matthew
Brown traces the philosophical and psychological contexts within
which Schenkerian theory can be placed, and considers other
relevant topics, such as strict counterpoint and nineteenth-century
chromaticism, by way of a wealth of freshly observed compositional
examples. Technically expert and critically evenhanded, this
absorbing exploration of tonality in theory and practice sets new
standards in its scope and authority.
*Arnold Whittall, King's College, London*
Matthew Brown's Explaining Tonality: Schenkerian Theory and Beyond
carefully sets out a well-reasoned and convincing case for the
scientific viability and logical foundations of Heinrich Schenker's
extraordinary approach to analyzing tonal music, revealing the
solidity of its foundations. His work should be read by anyone who
has an interest in the epistemology of music theory.
*Frank Samarotto, Indiana University*
I . . . heartily recommend the book, for I know of none better in
its field. It offers dozens of 'ear-engaging' analyses of important
musical works, including an entire chapter on the music of Debussy.
These analyses alone make it a must-read for anyone seriously
interested in contemporary music theory.
*MUSIC EDUCATORS JOURNAL*
Ask a Question About this Product More... |