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Demystifying Schenkerian Theory for Music Enthusiasts

Discover the foundational principles of Heinrich Schenker's music theory, from the projection of triads in tonal music to the concept of hierarchical structural levels. Learn how to think in a "Schenkerian mode" and explore the vocabulary essential for analyzing compositions in this formalist framework. Uncover the organic unity and deep structure in masterpieces, and navigate the linguistic dilemmas through graphic representation. Dive into the world of Schenkerian theory and enhance your understanding of music composition and analysis.

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Demystifying Schenkerian Theory for Music Enthusiasts

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  1. How to Be a Formalist (And LoveIt)The Theories of Heinrich Schenker Heinrich Schenker (1868-1935)

  2. I. Schenker’s World Writing about music dominated by hermeneutic criticism B. Composition dominated by Late Romanticism C. Study of music as a discipline (in colleges and universities) doesn’t even exist

  3. III. Schenkerian Theory: Basic Assumptions Tonal music is a projection of the triad, the chord of nature B. Prolongation or composing out

  4. Linear Progressions Arpeggiation Neighbor NT Passing Tones

  5. III. Schenkerian Theory: Basic Assumptions Music is a prolongation of the triad, the chord of nature B. Prolongation or composing out C. Structural Levels: Musical structure is hierarchical, with Deep Structure vs. Surface Ornament D. Organicism: masterpieces have deep (organic) unity at deep structural levels

  6. IV. Communicating the Theory A. Increasingly Graphic rather than verbal B. Seems to offer a way of many of the linguistic dilemmas: representation, lack of specificity of language, etc.

  7. V. Schenkerian Vocabulary A. Ursatz (Fundamental Structure) B. Bass-Brechung (Bass arpeggiation) C. Urlinie (Fundamental Line) D. Structural Levels: Foreground, Middleground, Background E. Auscomponieren (Composing Out or Prolongation) 1. Great composers compose-out the Ursatz 2. Mortals reduce the surface to reveal the underlying unity

  8. VI. Thinking About Music in “Schenkerian Mode” • Organicism: Great music not a series of discrete events of differing character, but manifestation of deep, organic whole B. Meanings fixed, manifestation of the natural, determined by composer, demonstrable, verifyable C. Provides “road map” to subtle awakening/prolonging thwarting of expectation D. Schenker’s Critics By analyzing you’ve already designated as worthy, system just proves it Upholds processes as timeless, natural, pre-ordained (absolutes) that are maybe really contingent 3. Music’s temporal/processive aspects deemphasized 4. No place for historical or cultural context (dehistoricizes)

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