具体描述
Finally, a complete harmony and theory method designed specifically for the pop and jazz musician! These books, used at the Grove School of Music, provide a sound and proven approach to theory. The Level One book completely derives and explains major and minor scales, keys and key signatures, all intervals, triads and four-part chords, modes, and more. Level Two covers five-part chords, II-V-I progressions, chord substitutions, harmonic analysis of tunes, voiceleading, and more. Each theory book includes hundreds of exercises with all the answers provided!
Contemporary Music Theory: A Journey Through Soundscapes Contemporary Music Theory invites you on an exhilarating exploration of the evolving landscape of musical thought. Far from a dusty tome of historical dogma, this book is a vibrant, forward-looking guide designed for musicians, composers, students, and anyone captivated by the ever-expanding possibilities of sound. It acknowledges that music theory is not a static set of rules, but a living, breathing discipline that continues to adapt and innovate alongside artistic practice. This comprehensive volume delves into the theoretical frameworks that underpin much of the music being created and appreciated today. We move beyond the traditional tonal system to examine the rich tapestry of post-tonal techniques, exploring the diverse approaches to harmony, melody, and rhythm that have characterized the 20th and 21st centuries. You'll encounter the intricate structures of serialism, the ethereal textures of spectralism, the rhythmic complexities of minimalism, and the sonic frontiers pushed by electronic and algorithmic composition. Key areas of exploration include: Expanded Tonality and Neo-Tonality: Discover how composers have continued to engage with, and creatively subvert, the conventions of tonal music. This section investigates extended chords, altered scales, modal mixture, and the sophisticated use of dissonance and consonance in creating fresh harmonic languages. We examine how composers achieve emotional depth and narrative drive through novel tonal constructions. Pitch Organization Beyond Tonality: Prepare to expand your understanding of how pitches can be organized. This book provides in-depth analyses of various pitch-class set theories, including atonal theory, twelve-tone technique, and the concepts of pitch-class transformations and relationships. You will learn to identify and analyze the underlying organizational principles in works that eschew traditional tonality. Rhythm, Meter, and Temporality: Delve into the intricate world of contemporary rhythmic and metrical structures. We explore complex meters, polyrhythm, polymeter, additive rhythm, and the concept of metric modulation. Furthermore, the book examines how temporal perception itself is manipulated through techniques such as phasing, acceleration, deceleration, and the creation of immersive sonic environments. Timbre, Texture, and Sound Color: Recognize that in contemporary music, timbre is not merely a decorative element but often a fundamental building block of musical structure. This volume investigates the theoretical implications of acoustic phenomena, exploring concepts such as spectral analysis, the use of extended instrumental techniques, and the integration of electronic sounds. You will learn to analyze how composers manipulate sonic qualities to create unique textures and emotional landscapes. Form and Structure in the Contemporary Era: Contemporary music often challenges traditional formal paradigms. This book offers insights into new approaches to musical form, including generative processes, mosaic form, process music, and the structures inherent in electronic and electroacoustic music. We explore how composers build cohesive musical experiences through diverse organizational strategies. Theories of Contemporary Harmony: Beyond traditional functional harmony, this section unpacks the theoretical underpinnings of harmony in contemporary styles. This includes exploring set-class relationships, pitch-class set operations, and the harmonic implications of microtonality and non-standard tuning systems. You will gain tools to analyze the complex harmonic interactions in a wide range of modern compositions. Electroacoustic and Algorithmic Music Theory: As technology continues to shape musical creation, this book provides a foundational understanding of the theoretical concepts relevant to electroacoustic and algorithmic music. This includes exploring concepts of sound synthesis, spatialization, granular synthesis, and the theoretical frameworks behind generative and evolutionary music systems. Contemporary Music Theory is more than just a theoretical manual; it is an invitation to actively engage with the music of our time. Through clear explanations, insightful examples drawn from a diverse range of composers and genres, and practical analytical tools, this book empowers you to: Deconstruct and understand: Develop the analytical skills necessary to dissect the complexities of contemporary musical works. Appreciate diverse aesthetics: Gain a deeper appreciation for the vast array of aesthetic choices made by composers. Enhance your creative practice: Inform your own compositional or improvisational endeavors with new theoretical perspectives. Deepen your listening experience: Transform how you hear and interpret the music that surrounds you. Whether you are a seasoned musician seeking to broaden your theoretical horizons or a curious listener eager to unravel the intricacies of modern sound, Contemporary Music Theory offers a comprehensive and illuminating path. Embark on this intellectual and sonic adventure, and discover the profound theories that shape the music of today and tomorrow.