Analysis of Tonal Music: A Schenkerian Approach

by Allen Cadwallader, David Gagne

Analysis of Tonal Music: A Schenkerian Approach, Third Edition, is a comprehensive, logically organized introduction to the fundamental principles of Schenkerian technique.
Rather than relying on stereotypical models or formulas, authors Allen Cadwallader and David Gagne use specific, memorable compositions to explain structural principles. This approach teaches students how to think about and critically examine music in ways that will inform their understanding and performance of 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 byformal 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--some new to this edition--an appendix on graphic notation, and a bibliography.
NEW TO THE THIRD EDITION
* Makes more frequent reference to the principles of strict counterpoint introduced in Chapter 2
* Provides enhanced discussions of harmonic structure and of the imaginary continuo as a tool for analysis (Chapter 3)
* Places greater emphasis throughout Part 2 on Schenker's ideas on musical form
* Reorders Chapter 9 to present the typical formal structures for binary form in a way that parallels Schenker's ideas about form and structure
* Includes a new analysis of a Brahms Intermezzo (a composite ternary form) in Chapter 10
* Features a completely revised concluding chapter that discusses Schenker's ideas on form in relation to common tonal patterns (i.e., structural "paradigms")
The third edition is supplemented by a thoroughly revised Student Workbook that guides students systematically through the process of analysis."

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

432 pages, Hardcover

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