The Symphony -- From Mannheim to Mahler: A Guide to the Development of the Symphony Through the 18th and 19th Centuries

by Christopher Tarrant (composer), Natalie Wild (Composer)

The From Mannheim to Mahler is a fascinating and accessible guide that considers the development of the symphony from a number of different analytical, historical, and critical. Exploring important milestones, touchpoints, events, key works, and the composers that surround the genre, it also includes a composer timeline, detailed case studies, and comprehensive music examples. This handy and informative book is ideal for GCSE, A-Level, and undergraduate music students, as well as anyone wanting to study and learn more about the genre. Christopher Tarrant is Lecturer in Music Analysis at Newcastle University. He received his PhD from Royal Holloway, University of London and now teaches and writes about concert music of the long nineteenth century with a special emphasis on theory of form and the Nordic symphony. Christopher is also a violinist and conductor. Natalie Wild is Director of Research and Deputy Director of Music at the Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST). Her research focuses on the role a classical music education can play in breaking down social barriers. Natalie has taught both GCSE and A-Level Music for many years as Head of Music in various inner-city schools. * The early symphony * Patronage and public concerts * Melody, harmony, and syntax * Form, structure, and cycle * Sonata form * Tonality * Absolute music and programme music * The symphony outside Germany and Austria * The symphony's second age

999 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2022

Reviews

[Wib ;]]

An absolutely fantastic book! So informative and enjoyable to read. I learnt so much about the symphony, not just its musical contents but its contexts too which was awesome. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the symphony, musician or not! It explains everything so well, and even goes back to the basics of music theory including the circle of fifths and tonic/dominant relationships to contextualise the materials further.

I started reading this book for A-Level Music, but it was so good I continued to read it even after the course was finished. If you are studying A-Level Music and the development of the symphony, I cannot recommend this enough; this book would revolutionise your knowledge and understanding of the Classical symphony.

One final point: I still don't get why 'escaping the minor mode' is such an issue in the symphony... Is it that deep?