Image for The Language of Music

The Language of Music

Part of the Clarendon Paperbacks series
See all formats and editions

This important and controversial book has come to be regarded as a modern classic. Originally published in 1959, it has exerted a profound influence on all subsequent discussion in the field of musical aesthetics.

The author's thesis is that the main characteristic of music is to express and evoke emotion, and that all composers whose music has a tonal basis have used the same, or closely similar, melodic phrases, harmonies, and rhythms to express and evoke the same emotions.

He supports this view with numerous musical examples, varying from plainsong to Stravinsky.

Based on this evidence he argues that music is a language in the quite specific sense that idioms can be identified and a list of meanings compiled.

While acknowledging that a 'dictionary' of the language of music cannot easily be provided, he attempts to supply what could at least be regarded as a 'phrase book'.

The enlightening analysis of two complete symphonies by Mozart and Vaughan Williams demonstrates the expressive function of musical form, the latter being an element which the author considers inseparable from musical content.

Read More
Available
£53.10 Save 10.00%
RRP £59.00
Add Line Customisation
Usually dispatched within 2 weeks
Add to List
Product Details
Clarendon Press
0198161808 / 9780198161806
Paperback / softback
780.1
16/11/1989
United Kingdom
304 pages, music examples
138 x 216 mm, 413 grams
AV Music