The Theory of Harmony: An Inquiry Into the Natural Principles, of Harmony, With an Examination of the Chief Systems of Harmony from Rameau to the Present Day (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Name: The Theory of Harmony: An Inquiry Into the Natural Principles, of Harmony, With an Examination of the Chief Systems of Harmony from Rameau to the Present Day (Classic Reprint)
Author: Matthew Shirlaw
ISBN: 9781451015348

Matthew Shirlaw

9781451015348: The Theory of Harmony: An Inquiry Into the Natural Principles, of Harmony, With an Examination of the Chief Systems of Harmony from Rameau to the Present Day (Classic Reprint)

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ISBN 10: 1451015348 ISBN 13: 9781451015348

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

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In The Theory of Harmony, explore how the idea of harmony evolved from Rameau to modern theory and whether those ideas rest on natural principles.

The book surveys the history and development of harmony theory, asking how acoustical ideas shaped musical concepts. It connects early, influential views to late nineteenth and twentieth‑century debates, showing how theorists tried to ground harmony in physical realities or in more abstract principles.

Readers will gain a clear sense of the central questions, from the role of the harmonic series to the rise of the major/minor divide, and the way different theorists treated chords, scales, and tonal relationships. The work highlights key figures and turning points without relying on any single approach as final truth.

How Rameau’s ideas about generation, bass, and inversion influenced harmony.

How later theorists challenged or extended those ideas in pursuit of a workable theory.

Why the question of a physical basis for harmony remains a central concern.

How the minor harmony and inversion concepts shaped the way we understand chords today.

Ideal for readers of music history and theory who want a concise, evidence‑based overview of Harmony’s theoretical foundations and evolution.

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Publisher: Forgotten Books
Publication date: 2018
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1451015348
ISBN 13: 9781451015348
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 509

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The Theory of Harmony: An Inquiry Into the Natural Principles of Harmony

Matthew Shirlaw

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

ISBN 10: 1451015348 ISBN 13: 9781451015348

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Seller: Forgotten Books, London, United Kingdom

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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book delves into the fascinating history of harmony in Western music, tracing its evolution from the foundational consonances of ancient Greek music to the complex harmonic systems of later eras. The author examines the groundbreaking work of theorists like Zarlino, Descartes, and most notably, Jean-Philippe Rameau, whose theories, based on acoustical principles, revolutionized the understanding of harmony. By analyzing Rameau's various works on harmony, the author unravels the intricate web of his ideas, including his groundbreaking concept of the fundamental bass, which formed the basis for later theories of chord inversion. The book also explores the impact of figured bass schools and the emergence of new harmonic concepts, such as the chord of the seventh and the diminished triad, which expanded the harmonic vocabulary of composers. Ultimately, this book offers a profound exploration of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of harmony, revealing the enduring power of Rameau's insights and the rich tapestry of ideas that have shaped our understanding of music. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781451015348_0

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