Serial composition and atonality: An introduction to the music of Schoenberg, Berg, and Webern

by George Perle

Widely recognized as the definitive work in its field ever since its original publication in 1962, Serial Composition and Atonality remains an unsurpassed introduction to the technical features of what is probably the most revolutionary body of work since the beginnings of polyphony. In the analysis of specific compositions there is first and last of all a concern with the musical surface--an attempt to trace connections and distinctions there before offering any deeper-level constructions, and to offer none where their effects are not obvious on more immediate levels of musical experience. In this sixth edition of the book, George Perle employs the new and more consistent terminology for the identification of transpositional levels of twelve-tone sets that he first proposed in Twelve-Tone Tonality (1977).

Genres: Music, Theory

158 pages, Hardcover

First published January 28, 1972

Reviews

[Jack Theaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

good introduction, if a little insider

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not light reading. Very difficult to digest. Ultimately useful and insightful....but again: very difficult stuff.

[Robin Boudreaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT book! Also mentions N. Roslavets with a couple examples too!!!

[Holli · Rating 2 out of 5]

So. Dry. Perle is obviously very intelligent, but not so great at phrasing his thoughts in a way that is reader-friendly.

[Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read written by a guy who has studied his subject sufficiently. Many informative and useful points about several angles akin to this music. Highly recommended for that purpose.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way of the past, but beautifully written and explained.