Compositional Theory in the Eighteenth Century - Softcover

Lester, Joel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0674155238 ISBN 13: 9780674155237

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 1994

Synopsis

"Compositional Theory in the Eighteenth Century" provides a comprehensive account of the theory behind the music of Baroque and Classical composers, from Bach to Beethoven. While giving pre-eminent theorists their due in this panoramic survey of musical thought, Joel Lester also examines the works of more than one hundred writers to show how prominent theories were received and applied in actual teaching situations. Beginning with the influence of Zarlino, Lester then focuses on central traditions emerging from definitive works in the early 18th century: species counterpoint in the writings of Fux; thoroughbass as presented by Niedt and Heinichen; Rameau's harmonic theories; and Mattheson's views on melodic structure.

About this title

About the Author

Joel Lester, Professor of Music at the City College and the Graduate School, City University of New York, was violinist for the Da Capo Chamber Players from 1970 to 1991.

From the Back Cover

This ambitious study offers a panoramic survey of musical thought in the eighteenth century and, at the same time, a close analysis of the important theoretical topics of the period. The result is the most comprehensive account ever given of the theory behind the music of late Baroque and early Classical composers from Bach to Beethoven. While giving preeminent theorists their due, Joel Lester also examines the works of over one hundred eighteenth- and seventeenth-century writers to show how prominent theories were received and applied in actual teaching situations. Beginning with the influence of Zarlino and seventeenth-century theorists, Lester goes on to focus on central traditions emerging from definitive works in the early eighteenth century: species counterpoint in the writings of Fux; thoroughbass as presented by Niedt and Heinichen; Rameau's harmonic theories and Mattheson's views on melodic structure. The author traces the development and interactions of these traditions over the remainder of the century, through the writings of Albrechtsberger, C. P. E. Bach, Kirnberger, Koch, Marpurg, Martini, Nichelmann, Riepel, and many others. This historical overview is leavened throughout with accounts of individual composers grappling with theoretical issues - Haydn's careful study of Fux's treatise, Mozart's instructions on harmony to his composition students, Beethoven's own student exercises. The links between various theoretical traditions, the pervasive influence of Rameau's harmonic thinking, and the harmonic theories of Koch are just some of the numerous topics given their first full treatment here. Many of the theorists Lester cites are either unknown or often misunderstoodtoday. By bringing their contributions to light and placing them within the context of theoretical tradition, Lester offers a fresh perspective, one that will inform and enhance any future study of this magnificent era in Western music.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674155238
• ISBN 13: 9780674155237
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 366