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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Twentieth-Century Harmony summary
Vincent Persichetti
Brief summary
Twentieth-Century Harmony by Vincent Persichetti is a comprehensive guide to understanding and analyzing the harmonic language of 20th-century music. It delves into dissonant and chromatic harmony, exploring new and innovative approaches to composition.
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Table of Contents
Twentieth-Century Harmony
Summary of key ideas
Exploring Twentieth-Century Harmony
In Twentieth-Century Harmony by Vincent Persichetti, we delve into the intricacies of modern music theory. The book begins by distinguishing between traditional and contemporary harmony, emphasizing the latter's diversity and complexity. Persichetti then introduces us to the concept of interval, explaining its significance in the context of contemporary music.
He further discusses various scales, including the modes, whole-tone, and chromatic scales. He elucidates their unique features and their roles in shaping modern harmonic language. The author also explores the formation and use of chords, highlighting the prevalence of dissonance and its intentional use in contemporary harmony.
Chords and Harmonic Motion
Persichetti offers an in-depth examination of different types of chords, such as major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads, as well as seventh, ninth, and eleventh chords. He then delves into harmonic motion, discussing concepts like harmonic rhythm, dynamic sand ornamentation, and their interplay in shaping the progression of harmonies.
He also explores harmonic behavior in tonality, polytonality, atonality, and serial composition. He emphasizes the dissolution of traditional tonal centers and the emergence of new harmonic systems. Persichetti's analysis of these concepts sheds light on the radical shifts in harmonic language during the 20th century.
Advanced Harmonic Techniques
The latter part of the book delves into more advanced harmonic techniques. Persichetti discusses quartal and secundal harmony, highlighting their unique sound and their contributions to modern music. He also introduces polychords, their construction, and their role in expanding harmonic possibilities.
Furthermore, he explores the use of added-note chords, clusters, and tone clusters, emphasizing their dissonant and dense textures. He also discusses the concept of harmonic density, explaining how it contributes to the emotional impact of a musical composition.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Twentieth-Century Harmony by Vincent Persichetti provides a comprehensive overview of the harmonic language and techniques that defined 20th-century music. The book not only explores these concepts theoretically but also provides numerous musical examples to illustrate them.
Throughout the book, Persichetti emphasizes the evolving nature of harmony and the emergence of new tonal systems. He encourages readers to approach contemporary harmony with an open mind, embracing its dissonance, complexity, and diversity. Overall, Twentieth-Century Harmony is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the profound transformations that occurred in music theory during the 20th century.
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What is Twentieth-Century Harmony about?
Twentieth-Century Harmony by Vincent Persichetti is a comprehensive guide to understanding the harmonic language of 20th-century music. It delves into the innovative techniques and complex harmonies used by composers such as Stravinsky, Bartók, and Schoenberg. With clear explanations and musical examples, this book is essential for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of modern music.
Twentieth-Century Harmony Review
Twentieth-Century Harmony (1961) explores advanced principles of harmony in music, making it a valuable read for musicians and music enthusiasts alike:
- Its comprehensive breakdown of complex harmonic structures provides a deep understanding of 20th-century music evolution.
- The book offers practical exercises and examples that help readers apply theoretical concepts in their own compositions or analyses.
- Through clear explanations and insightful discussions, it transforms potentially dry subject matter into a fascinating exploration of musical innovation.
Who should read Twentieth-Century Harmony?
Music students and educators seeking a comprehensive understanding of 20th-century harmony
Composers and musicians looking to expand their knowledge and skills in contemporary music theory
Anyone with a passion for exploring the complexities and innovations of modern musical composition
Categories with Twentieth-Century Harmony
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Twentieth-Century Harmony FAQs
What is the main message of Twentieth-Century Harmony?
Exploring harmonic principles across the 20th century in music.
How long does it take to read Twentieth-Century Harmony?
Reading time varies, but the Blinkist summary offers a quick overview.
Is Twentieth-Century Harmony a good book? Is it worth reading?
Twentieth-Century Harmony offers profound insights for music enthusiasts.
Who is the author of Twentieth-Century Harmony?
Vincent Persichetti is the author of Twentieth-Century Harmony.
What to read after Twentieth-Century Harmony?
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