CiNii Books - Compositional theory in the eighteenth century

This study offers a panoramic survey of musical thought in the 18th century and, at the same time, a close analysis of the important theoretical topics of the period. The result is one of the most comprehensive accounts ever given of the theory behind the music of late Baroque and early Classical composers from Bach to Beethoven. While giving pre-eminent theorists their due, Joel Lester also examines the works of over 100 18th and 17th century writers to show how prominent theories were received and applied in actual teaching situations. Beginning with the influence of Zarlino and 17th century theorists, Lester goes on to focus on central traditions emerging from definitive works in the early 18th century: species counterpoint in the writings of Fux; thorough-bass as presented by Niedt and Heinichen; Rameau's harmonic theories; and Mattheson's views on melodic structure. The author traces the development and interactions of these traditions over the remainder of the century, through the writings of Albrechtsberger, C.P.E. Bach, Kirnberger, Koch, Marpurg, Martini, Nichelmann, Riepel and many others. This historical overview is leavened throughout with lively accounts of individual composers grappling with theoretical issues - Haydn's careful study of Fux's treatise, Mozart's instructions on harmony to his composition students, Beethoven's own student exercises. The lnks between various theoretical traditions, the pervasive influence of Rameau's harmonic thinking, and the harmonic theories of Koch are just some of the numerous topics given their first full treatment here. Many of the theorists Lester cites are either unknown or often misunderstood today.

Volume: : pbk ISBN 9780674155237

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This ambitious study offers a panoramic survey of musical thought in the eighteenth century and, at the same time, a close analysis of the important theoretical topics of the period. The result is the most comprehensive account ever given of the theory behind the music of late Baroque and early Classical composers from Bach to Beethoven. While giving preeminent theorists their due, Joel Lester also examines the works of over 100 seventeenth- and eighteenth-century writers to show how prominent theories were received and applied in actual teaching situations. Beginning with the influence of Zarlino and seventeenth-century theorists, Lester goes on to focus on central traditions emerging from definitive works in the early eighteenth century: species counterpoint in the writings of Fux; thoroughbass as presented by Niedt and Heinichen Rameau's harmonic theories; and Mattheson's views on melodic structure. The author traces the development and interactions of these traditions over the remainder of the century, through the writings of Albrechtsberger, C. P. E. Bach, Kirnberger, Koch, Marpurg, Martini, Nichelmann, Riepel, and many others. This historical overview is leavened throughout with accounts of individual composers grappling with theoretical issues-Haydn's careful study of Fux's treatise, Mozart's instructions on harmony to his composition students, Beethoven's own student exercises. The links between various theoretical traditions, the pervasive influence of Rameau's harmonic thinking, and the harmonic theories of Koch are just some of the numerous topics given their first full treatment here. Many of the theorists Lester cites are either unknown or often misunderstood today. By bringing their contributions to light and placing them within the context of theoretical tradition, Lester offers a fresh perspective, one that will inform and enhance any future study of this magnificent era in Western music.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Zarlino and His Legacy 2. Species Counterpoint and Fux's Gradus 3. Thoroughbass Methods 4. Rameau's Early Works 5. Rameau's Later Works and Controversies 6. Mattheson and the Study of Melody 7. Harmonic Perspectives on Counterpoint 8. Changing Aspects of Harmonic Theory 9. The Marpurg-Kirnberger Disputes 10. Riepel on Melody and Phrases 11. Koch: Toward a Comprehensive Approach to Musical Structure Epilogue Appendix 1: Rameau, Nouveau systeme de musique theorique (1726): Chapter 23, "Examples of Errors Found in the Figures of Corelli's op. 5" Appendix 2: Concerning the Authenticity of Thoroughbass Methods Attributed to Albrechtsberger Bibliography Index

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Compositional theory in the eighteenth century

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