Analysis of Tonal Music: A Schenkerian Approach

by Allen Cadwallader, David Gagne, Frank Samarotto

In this highly anticipated new edition of Analysis of Tonal Music: A Schenkerian Approach, authors Allen Cadwallader, David Gagné, and Frank Samarotto use specific, memorable compositions to explain structural principles. This approach teaches students how to think about, critically examine, understand, and perform great compositions of Western art music.

Part 1 covers principles fundamental to the study of Schenkerian analysis and includes discussions of melody, counterpoint, bass-line structures, the imaginary continuo, linear techniques, and the essential properties of the Ursatz (fundamental structure). Part 2 presents complete compositions by formal category, beginning with one-part forms; proceeding through binary, ternary, and rondo forms; and concluding with the sonata principle. The book includes more than 200 analytical graphs, an appendix on graphic notation, and a bibliography.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 1998

Reviews

[Richard Pohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in this topic, this is probably the book to look up first (and the only one so far which clarified the whole thing enough, though it did not make me "Schenkerian" as I still believe the classic approach concerning the real music materia (harmony/melody/rhythm/themes/form) should come first).

[Amar]

Analysis of Tonal Music: A Schenkerian Approach

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never been exposed to any Schenkerian analysis in my undergrad, but this book was a very palatable introduction to it.

[Lorenzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a slog, but totally worth it

[Rachel Czech · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a Graduate level class on Schenkerian Analysis. I loved the class and enjoyed learning about Schenker. This style of analysis I found very natural and discovered I had actually been practicing it before taking the class on my Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suites.

Based on my peers reactions, some ideas you have to grow accustomed to (such as each piece has an obligatory register) and others are simple to understand. I did not personally have any issues with Schenker's ideas or approaches, but they can be tricky for some.

[Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was extremely useful for learning schenkerian analysis, but future editions could include a glossary and maybe simpler descriptions. Overall it was useful and mostly easy to understand