Materials and Techniques of Twentieth-Century Music (2nd Edition)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 328 pages
• Published by: Prentice Hall
• Edition: 2nd Edition July 16, 1998
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0139240772
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0139240775
• Book Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.7 pounds

Book Description
This book provides the most comprehensive analytical approach to 20th-Century Music available -- from Impressionism to recent trends. It covers music from the early 1900s through such movements as Minimalism and the Neoromanticism of the 1990's, and includes chapters on rhythm, form, electronic and computer music, and the roles of chance and choice in Twentieth-Century music. Explores an exceptionally broad range of styles and techniques --including electronic music and MIDI, chance music, and quotation music. Stresses analysis and composition rather than historical aspects. Organizes content by compositional technique. Covers all facets of materials and techniques -- from microtonal scale to melodic organization, chord structures, and serialism. Contains over 100 examples from music literature -- ranging from the beginning of the 20th-Century to the 1990's -- and representing a broad range of styles -- from Impressionism to Serialism to Minimalism and beyond. Includes exercises involving drills, analysis, composition, and listening. For anyone interested in music theory and harmony, analysis of 20th-Century music, or History of 20th-Century music.

The publisher, Prentice-Hall Humanities/Social Science
An analytical and compositional approach to the musical achievements of the 20th century -- from Impressionism through Minimalism and Neo-tonality. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
Was searching for the longest time for a good, in-depth reference book over twentieth century music, and I've found it in Mr. Kostka's publication. Thank God for Mr. Kostka! Twentieth-century music books tend to be a little heavy on the beginning of the century and leave out all the recent developments like Minimalism, and electronic music. This book was published in 1998 and covers those sections beautifully. Also, the way the material is organized is much more helpful than if it went chapter by chapter by composer or historically. Other merits include the summaries at the end of each chapter, the numerous musical examples, exercises, and references to other books over twentieth century music. One word of warning, however. Although the book is excellently written, it is a book for advanced music theory students. If you don't have all your musical terminology down from previous study, you're going to get lost very quickly. But what a breath of fresh air not to be talked down to anymore! While reading, I kept thinking how Mr. Kostka uncoveres the mystical/mathematical qualities of this music; so well, in fact, that this book would make even Pythagoras proud. Comment | Permalink | (Report this)