The Musical Language of Berlioz (Cambridge Studies in Music) - Hardcover

Rushton, Julian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521242797 ISBN 13: 9780521242790

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1984

Synopsis

This book is an analytical and critical study of Berlioz's unique musical style. It does not undertake to analyse all his works, but rather to separate characteristic elements and observe them in action. Berlioz's writings and those of his critics are called upon to help focus the discussion. Part I includes material on the sources of Berlioz's idiosyncrasy and a discussion of fundamental pitch elements. Part II pursues this discussion into textural, contrapuntal and orchestral features, and considers melody and rhythm. Part III deals with whole musical forms, vocal and instrumental. The book includes copious musical illustration, much of it analytical reduction, and the expressive purpose of the features analysed is fully considered. The conclusion is that Berlioz's musical language is inescapably peculiar, though not necessarily inept; features which seem inexplicable in the light of compositional theory nearly always contribute to the musical and expressive exactness of communication.

About this title

Book Description

This book is an analytical and critical study of Berlioz's unique musical style. It does not undertake to analyse all his works, but rather to separate characteristic elements and observe them in action. Berlioz's writings and those of his critics are called upon to help focus the discussion.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521242797
• ISBN 13: 9780521242790
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 312