The Craft of Musical Composition: Book 2 (Stap/067) [Sheet music]

Paul Hindemith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1984 | Series: Stap/067

Originally published in the 1940s, Paul Hindemith's remakable 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 every 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. Preface * Construction of the Simplest One-Voice Melodic Patterns * Beginning of Two-Voice Setting * Elaborated Melody (Auxiliary or Teturning Tones, Passing Tones) * Elaborated Melody (Continuation) * Principles of Melodic Construction * Elaborated Melody (Conclusion) * Tonal Higher-Units * Tonality of the Melodies * Elaboration of the Melody Model * Free Two-Voice Setting I and II

Product Details

• Sheet music: 160 pages
• Publisher: Schott (October 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0901938416
• ISBN-13: 978-0901938411
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #276,913 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical exercises meant to develop compositional skills rather than simply theory exercises, November 14, 2005

By 

Craig Matteson (Saline, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Craft of Musical Composition: Book 2 (Stap/067) (Sheet music)

This book is the practical application of the principles Hindemith discusses in his theoretical volume of the "Craft of Musical Composition". There fifty-six exercises, two hundred and fifty-one musical examples and sixty-two rules for composition in this small volume. It is meant to be used by students with a skilled teacher who is also an able composer. The approach is intensely practical and is meant to build skill in actually writing music rather than empty exercises to demonstrate this or that rule.

Again, the methodology here is based on Hindemith's ideas of composition and theory. Do not expect to be writing exercises in the style of Palestrina, Bach, or Mozart. There are charts and explanations here that will be opaque without having a grounding in the theoretical volume of his "Craft of Musical Composition". You could do much worse than studying these two volumes, but you do have to make a judgment about whether the juice is worth the squeeze.

2 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read it if you want to be a composer, September 13, 2010

By 

Adrian - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Craft of Musical Composition: Book 2 (Stap/067) (Sheet music)

Read it if you want to be a composer. I mean it. Hindemith did a great job with this book (you should buy the first volume too). I will not tell you what you'll find in this book, experience your self. Read and learn.