The Study of Fugue (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The rise of polyphony has been recognized as the most decisive phase in the history of Occidental music..." (more)
Key Phrases: venerable master, fuga regolare, fugal theory, Friedrich Wilhelm Marpurg, Historical Outline, Johann Georg Albrechtsberger (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Dr. Mann applies original ideas to solid historical facts illustrated with frequent and well-chosen musical examples....The ratings of Dr. Mann's book on this score is high: it contains 255 musical examples, many of them complete pieces....Among the latter are some works not easily available elsewhere...we have the most comprehensive and useful survey of the fugue available in any language.”–Music Library Association Notes

Product Description

Classic study comprises two parts. The first is a comprehensive historical survey of writings on the fugue from the beginning of fugal teaching (c. 1350) to the present. Part Two explores in depth four 18th-century studies which are its classical presentations: Steps to Parnassus, J. J. Fux (1725), A Treatise on Fugue, W. F. Marpurg (1753-54), Fundamental and Practical Essay on Fugal Counterpoint, Padre Martini (1775), A Manual of the Fundamental Principles of Composition, J. A. Albrechtsberger (1790). Translations of texts, introductions and critical commentary, and many musical examples. Index. Bibliography.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 341 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press Reprint (July 24, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313226237
• ISBN-13: 978-0313226236
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,512,542 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique!, January 11, 2002

By	R. Machado "Giacometti" (Sao Paulo, SP Brazil) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Study of Fugue (Paperback)

It's not very simple to find books about musical forms and composition. This is an excelent title. The text is very rich and complete and it's possible for the reader to do your own fugues. Of course is not for begginers, it's necessary that you have a good knowledge in music, including counterpoint. Counterpoint is aborded, of course, but if you'd never seen the subject, the read may be a little boring.

The good news are: If you like music, if you have studied for a long time and would like to begin with your own compositions, this is a mandatory book.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is worth 10 times the price, July 31, 2006

By	Hans Hummel (Denmark) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Study of Fugue (Paperback)

Get this book, it is so great, beyond words, Alfred Mann is like the Saint of Musical theory!
What it contains is a complete study of the subject fugue - through the works of 4 theorists,
Fux, modal-style,
Marpurg, student of bach,
Albrechtsberger, teacher of Beethoven
Padre Martini, most famous theorist at the time of Mozart, and at one point the teacher of Mozart(the book contains a Mozart fugue, and the "corrections" done by Martini)

Before hand it may proove essential to know the basic theory - start with "Gradus ad Parnasum"(same author)
and get a good book of Functional Harmony as well.
After that, this book will be all you need to start fugal writing.

Good luck!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for students and enthusiasts., January 15, 2003

By	W. Crone "classical junkie" (Northern CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Study of Fugue (Paperback)

This work, which essentially includes a large portion of work by Fux, is great for the person studying counterpoint (fugues more specifically) or the person with a deep interest in the subject. I am a student with a deep interest in the subject and I enjoy this study quite well. If your ears perk up when someone says fugue or counterpoint then check this book out!!