Structural Functions of Harmony

by Arnold Schoenberg

Book Overview

The earlier chapters recapitulate in condensed form the principles laid down in his Theory of Harmony; the later chapters break entirely new ground, for they analyze the system of key relationships... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393004783
• Release Date: June 1969
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.5" x 5.1"

Customer Reviews

Structural Functions of Harmony by Schoenberg

Schoenberg's compositions are not at all among my favourites, but his interpretations of classical harmony -are- among the best available.

New Revelations of Old Forms

Schoenberg writes from a traditional harmonic standpoint. But he is aware of the fact that the primary systems of analysis are very limited to these traditional sounds and harmonies. Therefore Schoenberg sets out to put into work a new system for harmonic analysis which will work fine on traditional harmonies as well as on newer, more outside progressions. He achieves all of this through his idea of regions within music, a specific idea with a broad goal. By leaving the intricacies of traditional harmonic analysis and widening his scope, Schoenberg presents a system we may all need to take a second look at.

not for beginners

Well it looks like naj "jak" here is almost as clueless as he thinks the book is. He should know that Theory of Harmony is not a book to LEARN harmony, its a book that teaches you in detail the purposes and most advanced properties of such. If you're looking to begin music, do not buy this book. If you are a musician looking for a (in my opinion) genius's perspective on one of the most fundamental elements of music...then thats the book for you.

Master Class

If you are a musician and want to know more about harmony, Schoenberg's thoughts should be at least considered. You might not necessarily agree with him, but keep in mind that Schoenberg always taught from a traditionalist standpoint. Despite his "revolutionary" logo, Schoenberg never cared much for music before Bach. Even Schoenberg's idol and so-called reactionary, Brahms, thought highly of Josquin DesPres. And while there are probably better teaching books around, considering Schoenberg's music will be played 200 years from now (at the very least, Verlarkte Nacht) and yours probably won't (unless it's used on TV ad or played on an oldies station), you might want to get some idea of what makes this guy so utterly fascinating.

Advanced harmony theory concerning mainly on Region concept.

It deals with advanced harmony theory based on traditional theory. This book introduces Region concept of harmony. It is eccential concept for understanding the structure of harmony progression related with modulation. But I was able to find it only from this text, any other books of harmony do not deal with such concept.