
Contents: Symphonies (C major, op. 21; D major, op. 36; E flat major, op. 55; B flat major, op. 60; C minor, op. 67; F major, op. 68; A major, op. 92; F major, op. 93) / Beethoven -- A précis of Beethoven's ninth symphony, op. 125 -- Symphonies (C minor, no. 1, op. 68; D major, no. 2, op. 73; F major, no. 3, op. 90; E minor, no. 4, op. 98); Serenade in D major, op. 11; Serenade in A major, op. 16 / Brahms -- Haydn the inaccessible -- Symphonies (G major, no. 88; G, no. 92; G major, no. 94; C minor, no. 95; B flat, no. 98; E flat, no. 99; G major, no. 100; D major, no. 101; B flat, no. 102; E flat, no. 103; D major, no. 104) / Haydn -- Serenade in D major, K. 250; Symphonies (C major, K. 338; C major, K. 425; E flat, K. 543; G minor, K. 550; C major, K. 551); Sonata in F major for pianoforte for four hands, K. 452 / Mozart -- Symphonies (B flat, no. 5; C major, no. 7; Unfinished symphony in B minor; C major, op. 140: orchestrated by Joachim from the Grand Duo) / Schubert -- Italian symphony in A major, op. 90 / Mendelssohn.
This volume investigates the structural and aesthetic architecture of the classical symphony through a detailed examination of masterworks by Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, and Mendelssohn. Donald F. Tovey, a renowned musicologist and composer, utilizes his extensive knowledge of formal analysis to deconstruct these compositions. He argues that understanding the internal logic and thematic development of a symphony is essential for both the performer and the listener to grasp the composer's intent. The text serves as a pedagogical framework for interpreting the evolution of the symphonic form from the late 18th to the 19th century.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Musicologists and students of music theory frequently cite Tovey’s work as a foundational text for its clarity and deep insight into the mechanics of classical composition. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which assumes a high level of musical literacy from the audience.
Page Count:
223
Publication Date:
1935-06-01
Publisher:
Oxford Univ Pr (T)
ISBN-10:
0193151375
ISBN-13:
9780193151376
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