This best-selling text gives majors a solid foundation in the theory of music - generally and throughout history. It strengthens their musical intuition, builds technical skills, and helps them gain interpretive insights.
The two-volume format ensures exhaustive coverage and maximum support for students and faculty alike. Volume I serves as a general introduction to music theory while volume II offers a survey of the theoretical underpinnings of musical styles and forms from Gregorian Chant through the present day.
This is the textbook from my first two semesters of music theory. It is ok, but I much prefer Piston's Harmony for readability or Kostkas Tonal Harmony for its more thorough analysis. The only thing Benwatd does better in this book is his coverage of all the species counterpoint.