Reading Material

Hey,

I am looking for some reading material which is fairly easy going (I am a mildly dyslexic) relating to certain aspects of composition. If you can point me in the right direction, that would be great.

1) I am looking for something VERY easy to understand relating to C20th Harmony. I am currently stuck in tonality to a large degree and could use something to help understand how to approach modernizing my use of harmony.

2) Something which explores composing for larger scales works and for orchestra. Not to be confused by orchestration as I already have enough books on that but more about approaching composition for example chamber orchestra and composing works over say 3 minutes or so.

3) Writing piano accompaniment - for works for example - solo instrument and piano.

Thank you :thumbsup:

My friend, I have the PERFECT book for you

Amazon.com: Materials and Techniques of Twentieth Century Music: Books: Stefan Kostka

However, I hope you have a solid background in tonal harmony and techniques. If you don't, any book you buy might go a bit over your head. However, this is the best book I've come by. It's clear and concise, I definitely helped springboard me into experimentation harmonically and better understanding the technique behind the kind of music I wanted to write when I was a younger undergrad.

2) Do you make a reduced score first and then orchestrate it? That may be the problem

3) What do you play? If you're an instrumentalist, study the piano scores for any solos you own. And I mean the real solo rep for your instrument, not just some Grade 4 pieces that have simplistic piano parts. In fact, I suggest studying any of the sonatas Hindemith wrote for wind instruments (especially the ones for Trumpet and Piano, and Flute and Piano)

My friend, I have the PERFECT book for you

Amazon.com: Materials and Techniques of Twentieth Century Music: Books: Stefan Kostka

However, I hope you have a solid background in tonal harmony and techniques. If you don't, any book you buy might go a bit over your head. However, this is the best book I've come by. It's clear and concise, I definitely helped springboard me into experimentation harmonically and better understanding the technique behind the kind of music I wanted to write when I was a younger undergrad.

Yes I do. I am actually doing a third year project next year on the "Stylistic Harmony of Chopin's Nocturnes."

That book looks perfect. I will check out my university's library before I purchase it though. Have you read any of his other works?

2) Do you make a reduced score first and then orchestrate it? That may be the problem

That is an idea I could try! Though I would like to do some reading as well.

3) What do you play? If you're an instrumentalist, study the piano scores for any solos you own. And I mean the real solo rep for your instrument, not just some Grade 4 pieces that have simplistic piano parts. In fact, I suggest studying any of the sonatas Hindemith wrote for wind instruments (especially the ones for Trumpet and Piano, and Flute and Piano)

In the past I have played Piano (to Grade 8), Guitar. These days, I study Violin and dabble on a clarinet. Though performance is not my forte.

Thank you.

Rain,

Try to find also "20th century harmony" or something close to that by Vincent Persicetti. an excellent book that I use in my teaching composition. ;)

As for the other 2 I'll look a bit later since I'm dead busy atm.

Rain,

Try to find also "20th century harmony" or something close to that by Vincent Persicetti. an excellent book that I use in my teaching composition. ;)

As for the other 2 I'll look a bit later since I'm dead busy atm.

Way Hey, My library has that one in. The other one isn't but I might purchase it - if I can find it a little bit cheaper. I would want to get the latest edition but that is

Here's a different angle: in expanding your harmonic vocabulary, some exploration of 'jazz theory' could be beneficial. (the term 'jazz theory' is a bit of a misnomer, but whatever).

Check out this book if you can find it - Mark Levine's The Jazz Theory Book. Great book, slightly geared for players, but the concepts are sound and universal. I also noticed this little booky - Essentials of Jazz Theory. I've not used it, but the price is right. ;)

Jazz theory will give you a feel for chord/scale relationships (modal), chord extentions, substitutions, poly-chords, etc...

Fun stuff, and in this day-in-age, certainly not jazz specific.

$0.02

:whistling:

Here's a different angle: in expanding your harmonic vocabulary, some exploration of 'jazz theory' could be beneficial. (the term 'jazz theory' is a bit of a misnomer, but whatever).

Check out this book if you can find it - Mark Levine's The Jazz Theory Book. Great book, slightly geared for players, but the concepts are sound and universal. I also noticed this little booky - Essentials of Jazz Theory. I've not used it, but the price is right. ;)

Jazz theory will give you a feel for chord/scale relationships (modal), chord extentions, substitutions, poly-chords, etc...

Fun stuff, and in this day-in-age, certainly not jazz specific.

$0.02

:whistling:

I agree with Rob. My initial experience with learning harmony was not through "common practice" means, but through playing in jazz ensembles. Unlike young classical musicians who through a huff when their directors try to teach them the difference between Major and Minor triads, jazz musicians NEED learn about the actual language of the music from the beginning if they hope to be any decent at it.