The Recommended Reading Order for Arnold Schoenberg’s Key Music Composition Texts
Arnold Schoenberg's writings on music composition are essential for understanding his innovative theories and practices. As a GSEO, finding the right starting point and progression in his works can help you gain a comprehensive understanding of his compositional techniques and philosophies.
Based on Arnold's own approach and the feedback from fellow musicians, this article will guide you through the optimal sequence in which to read his key works on music composition. Let's dive into the recommended order for his writings.
Essential Reading Order for Arnold Schoenberg’s Works
1. Theory of Harmony (1911)
The Theory of Harmony serves as a foundational text for anyone interested in understanding Schoenberg's music philosophy and compositional techniques. This collection of essays provides a broad overview of his musical philosophy and is a recommended starting point. It lays the groundwork for comprehending his ideas about music in a comprehensive manner.
2. Structural Functions of Harmony (1940)
Next, move on to Structural Functions of Harmony. This work is where Schoenberg delves into his harmonic theories, and it is an essential read for understanding his approach to tonality and dissonance. This book is particularly revolutionary, offering a deep analysis of harmonic relationships and how they function within tonal music. While it focuses on tonal practices, it provides valuable insights that can be applied more broadly.
3. Models for Beginners in Composition (1950)
After gaining a solid understanding of harmony, it's time to move onto the practical side of composition. Models for Beginners in Composition serves as a guide for aspiring composers, providing a set of exercises and strategies to help you develop your own compositional voice. While this book is a solid resource, it is suggested to skip this step and instead read Modal and Tonal Counterpoint - From Josquin to Stravinsky by Harold Owen. Owen's didactic approach is much better, and you will learn a lot more by working on making real music rather than just exercises.
4. Structural Functions of Harmony (Further Emphasis)
After finishing Modal and Tonal Counterpoint - From Josquin to Stravinsky, return to Structural Functions of Harmony. This second reading will help you apply the practical techniques you've learned to a broader theoretical framework. Understanding the structural functions of harmony and their implications can enhance your compositional skills and provide a more nuanced approach to tonal music.
5. Fundamentals of Musical Composition (Preliminary Read)
Fundamentals of Musical Composition, published in 1954, is the most comprehensive guide to Schoenberg's compositional theories. While this book was groundbreaking in its time, today there are more accessible and advanced texts that take Schoenberg's ideas as a starting point. Notable among these is Analyzing Classical Form by William Caplin. Caplin's book is classroom-tested and very easy to read, offering a deep dive into Schoenberg's theories and further developing them.
6. Autobiography (1975)
Finally, reading Arnold Schoenberg's Autobiography will give you insight into his personal development as a composer and his philosophical views on music. This autobiographical work is a valuable resource for understanding the human side of the great theorist and the context in which his ideas were formed.
Suggestions for Expanding Your Musical Knowledge
While Schoenberg's works are essential, it is important not to limit yourself to his writings. Exposure to different points of view and theories can enrich your understanding of music. For instance, Modal and Tonal Counterpoint - From Josquin to Stravinsky by Harold Owen is recommended over the traditional Preliminary Exercises in Counterpoint. Additionally, Théodore Dubois’s Traité du Contrepoint et de Fugue is a valuable resource for in-depth counterpoint study, though it is in French. A similar, but easier-to-read, book in English is Counterpoint by Paul Hindemith.
Furthermore, while Schoenberg’s theories are groundbreaking, they should be supplemented with other authors. Charles Koechlin's works, although conceptually not as advanced as Schoenberg’s, offer a different perspective on voice leading, which is crucial for understanding harmony.
By reading and comparing different authors, you can gain a more complete and nuanced understanding of music theory. This approach allows you to explore various theories, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the craft of composition.
Conclusion
Reading Arnold Schoenberg’s works in the recommended order will help you build a solid foundation in his compositional techniques and theories. From the broad overview provided by Theory of Harmony to the deeper analysis offered in Structural Functions of Harmony and beyond, this sequence will ensure you have a comprehensive grasp of Schoenberg’s theories and practices.
Remember, while Schoenberg’s works are invaluable, they are just a starting point. Embrace the diversity of musical thought to enhance your own compositional skills and artistic expression.