Designed as an introductory text for upper-level undergraduates and beginning graduate students, Analysis of Tonal Music: A Schenkerian Approach explains the fundamental principles of Schenkerian analysis by focusing on the music itself. It can be used in one- or two-semester courses on Schenkerian theory and will also appeal to individuals interested in Schenker's work. The book assumes no prior knowledge of the subject, but it does require a background in harmony and voice leading; a familiarity with species counterpoint is also desirable. The authors develop Schenkerian techniques through the practical analysis of specific compositions, an approach that parallels the evolution of Schenker's work. The book explains structural principles in actual composition rather than through models and formulas, and teaches students how to think about and critically examine compositions in ways that will inform their understanding and performance of great compositions of Western art music. The first part of the volume provides the foundation for the analysis of complete pieces and includes chapters on melody, bass-line structures, linear techniques, and the essential properties of the Ursatz and its basic elaborations; the presentation of complete compositions in Part II is organized by formal category. The concluding chapter summarizes the main theoretical issues of Schenker's approach. The book includes over 200 analytical graphs, musical examples, and a bibliography. Analysis of Tonal Music: A Schenkerian Approach provides a unique and accessible introduction to Schenkerian analytical ideas and shows how they can be applied toward a better understanding of tonal music.
"The third edition of Analysis of Tonal Music brings improvements and clarifications to a textbook that already is the most well-grounded, authoritative source. . . . The text presents an authentic understanding of the tradition of Schenker's theory; it far supersedes any competitors, and it is the only Schenkerian text I recommend."--Frank Samarotto, Indiana University
"The greatest strengths of this textbook are its attractive and engaging writing style, its well-paced introduction to essential concepts, its care and attention to musical details beyond reduction to archetype, and its well-chosen excerpts for analytical demonstration. . . . The book covers all the topics I introduce to students and does so in a thoughtful, clear manner. It provides a firm foundation upon which students can develop their hearing and thinking about music from a Schenkerian perspective."--Michael Baker, University of Kentucky
"The third edition of Analysis of Tonal Music brings improvements and clarifications to a textbook that already is the most well-grounded, authoritative source. . . . The text presents an authentic understanding of the tradition of Schenker's theory; it far supersedes any competitors, and it is the only Schenkerian text I recommend."--Frank Samarotto, Indiana University
"The greatest strengths of this textbook are its attractive and engaging writing style, its well-paced introduction to essential concepts, its care and attention to musical details beyond reduction to archetype, and its well-chosen excerpts for analytical demonstration. . . . The book covers all the topics I introduce to students and does so in a thoughtful, clear manner. It provides a firm foundation upon which students can develop their hearing and thinking about music from a Schenkerian perspective."--Michael Baker,
University of Kentucky
