Harmonic Organization of the Rite of Spring by Allen Forte

by Allen Forte

Forte here applies his analytical approach as set forth in The Structure of Atonal Music to one of the monuments of modern music. Together the introduction and the analysis, with its more than 100 musical examples, both illuminate the structure of the work and demonstrate the way in which Forte's method may be applied in the analysis of complex music. "[This study] is welcome and long overdue.. The influence of Allen Forte on contemporary music theory has been enormous, and The Harmonic Organization of "The Rite of Spring" has importance for a number of serious musicians, particularly, for disciples and others interested in set-theoretic approach, and for those interested in Stravinsky's work..Seeing the theory applied consistently to a specific work can show if it provides any true illumination of the work..This study should not be ignored."-Frank Retzel, Notes

Genres: Music

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forte starts the chronological survey of the work by informing the reader that he will make no attempt to cover the tonal aspects of the RoS. The book is an analysis of only PC sets and their relation to one another. This is indeed very helpful. However, the listener can hear, throughout much of the work, certain (albeit vague) uses of tonal scale degrees in the harmonic language that give the 'noise' weight. Had he set out to show this illusory tonality and its function within the PC sets then this would have been a truly illuminating read.