Heinrich Schenker's Conception of Harmony

This book offers an in-depth examination of Schenker's influential 1906 treatise, Heinrich Schenker's Conception of Harmony, and its historical significance.

This book presents the first comprehensive analysis of Schenker's groundbreaking 1906 treatise, Heinrich Schenker's Conception of Harmony. It explores how this work encapsulated 2,500 years of thought regarding harmony while also providing a robust critique of Austro-Germanic music theory around 1900. The author delves into Schenker's innovative perspectives, which significantly diverged from the prevailing views of his time. Rather than merely focusing on abstract principles of chords and progressions, Schenker positioned harmony as the essential connective tissue that unifies various musical elements, including melodies, motives, and counterpoint, both locally and globally.

Heinrich Schenker's Conception of Harmony also highlights the significance of Schenker's two preparatory essays, which have not been systematically examined until now. These essays lay the groundwork for understanding Schenker's evolving thoughts on harmony and his lasting impact on music theory. The book provides insight into how these ideas were later received, particularly in the context of the 1954 edition and translation of his work entitled Harmony. This translation played a pivotal role in introducing Schenker's ideas to postwar America and Britain, where they have since gained considerable influence.

By situating Schenker's theories within a broader historical context, this study not only honors his contributions but also challenges the existing narratives surrounding his work. It invites readers to reconsider the complexities and nuances of harmony as envisioned by Schenker, ultimately enriching our understanding of classical music's greatest composers and their masterpieces.