Originally published in the 1940s, Paul Hindemith's remarkable textbooks are still the outstanding works of their kind. In contrast to many musical textbooks written by academic musicians, these were produced by a man who could play every instrument of the orchestra, could compose a satisfying piece for almost any kind of ensemble, and who was one of the most stimulating teachers of his day. It is therefore not surprising that nearly forty years later these books should remain essential reading for the student and the professional musician.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like No Other,
This review is from: A Concentrated Course in Traditional Harmony: With Emphasis on Exercises and a Minimum of Rules, Book 1 (Paperback)
In this rather amazing little book, Hindemith takes the reader through all the phases of "modern" tonality with the absolute minimum of text and copious exercises. On one hand, the minimum amount of text means that all but the most exceptional student would, at certain points, require further explanation. That said, there is a tremendous amount of information in what little Hindemith does say. Likewise, for the careful observer, the exercises themselves reveal a huge part of the grammar of tonal music. There is not a dud "academic" exercise in the whole book.
Another reviewer mentions Walter Piston's fine Harmony book. Rightly, the Piston book contains page after page of well-done categorization of the syntax of tonal music and beyond. However, as it points out virtually everything, it is hard for a student to understand what is truly important and what is merely being overexplained or overanalyzed. Likewise, the fairly small amount of exercises - many very average - often cannot reveal what has been so carefully explained in the text; make no mistake, when you study music what you learn gets into your head by working with actual music - very little comes in from reading alone. Hindemith's book is a cure for this, as it gets you writing, and writing a lot. It gives you the chance to grow your own syntax. In my opinion, the Piston book actually makes a good companion to the Hindemith book, though I think both are best used along with a knowledgeable teacher. If, as a student, you are someone who craves "getting down to business" and doing careful, thoughtful work - the Hindemith book will be an excellent guide.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compact but Amazing!,
This review is from: A Concentrated Course in Traditional Harmony: With Emphasis on Exercises and a Minimum of Rules, Book 1 (Paperback)
In this book Hindemith first refers to the core of the classical harmony (I, IV, V chords) and then expands them to the a whole body of amazing possibilities (chord inversions, dominant chord, alteration, modulation , ...). The approach is very interesting and practical and the book provides lots of exercises for hard working readers. Hindemith showed me the right approach to the harmony without memorizing the rules and a way to writing harmony with the minimum material! It is of course for patient and hard working people and you have to feel comfortable with the basic theory to enjoy this book. It is a shame that the book has been out of print for such a long time!
5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The classic, the best,
By John Q. Spamvictim (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Concentrated Course in Traditional Harmony: With Emphasis on Exercises and a Minimum of Rules, Book 1 (Paperback)
Lots of exercises for the budding composer. Those who wish to write the great art music of the 21st century should try to get a copy. By the end of the book, all the classic rules of harmony are repealed, because one has learned when to break them, and when to follow.
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