The structure of music
Subtitle: an outline for students
By: R. O. Morris.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 1976
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 133
Subjects: Musical form.
Description: "The Structure of Music: An Outline for Students" by R.O. Morris is a foundational text in music theory that provides a comprehensive overview of the building blocks of musical composition, focusing on the analysis of form and structure within tonal music.
Key points about the book:
Focus on Form:
The central theme of the book is the concept of "form," which refers to the overall organization of a musical piece, including how different sections are repeated, contrasted, and developed.
Systematic Approach:
Morris presents a structured framework for analyzing music, breaking down compositions into smaller elements like phrases, sections, and movements, allowing students to understand the underlying logic of a piece.
Accessible Language:
While covering complex musical concepts, Morris explains them in a clear and accessible manner, making it suitable for students at various levels of musical study.
Examples from the Classical Canon:
The book primarily uses examples from the classical music repertoire, including works by composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, to illustrate musical form and structure.
Main Components of the Outline:
Introduction to Musical Form:
Discusses basic concepts like phrase structure, cadence, key relationships, and the concept of "repetition with variation" that form the foundation of musical form.
Binary Form:
Explains the simple two-part structure (A-B) often found in smaller pieces like folk songs and dances.
Ternary Form:
Covers the three-part structure (A-B-A) where a central section contrasts with the initial material.
Rondo Form:
Explores the "refrain" structure (A-B-A-C-A-D-A etc.) where a recurring theme (A) is interspersed with contrasting episodes.
Sonata Form:
Delves into the complex four-movement structure commonly found in classical concertos and symphonies, including exposition, development, and recapitulation sections.
Variation Form:
Examines how a melody can be transformed through changes in rhythm, harmony, and instrumentation while maintaining its core identity.
Impact and Relevance:
Essential for Music Analysis:
"The Structure of Music" is considered a standard text for music theory students, providing them with the tools to analyze and understand the structure of classical music.
Foundation for Further Study:
By understanding the foundational concepts presented in this book, students can progress to analyzing more complex musical forms and styles.
Notes: Originally published in 1935.

Includes music.

Includes index.