Basic Principles of Composition

Author: Arnold Schoenberg (Austria), translated by Wu Peihua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: Arnold Schoenberg was a renowned Austrian composer and one of the most influential musical giants of the 20th century, the pioneer of the twelve-tone composition technique. Yet this master composer received little formal training and grew entirely through his own talent. This book is one of his important works on compositional theory, avoiding complex technical analysis and difficult professional terminology. It starts from the most basic traditional techniques and organizational methods, delving into how to address various technical issues encountered in practical writing. At the same time, it employs the method of analyzing numerous masterpieces throughout the book, aiming to cultivate students' ability to analyze different types of musical works and independently solve various technical challenges. The book is suitable for beginners in composition and also serves as a fundamental reading that discusses compositional techniques in an accessible manner.
This book combines two approaches to exploration: one is analyzing masterpieces, with a focus on Beethoven's piano sonatas; the other is practical composition of musical forms. As an analytical textbook, it elaborates on the later chapters of Harmonic Function, particularly Chapter 11, "Progressions for Different Compositional Purposes," in greater detail. As a tutorial for initial compositional practice, it expands the material outlined in Examples for Beginners in Composition.
In this book, as in all his musical practice manuals, Schoenberg's teaching method is not solely focused on theoretical considerations but also grounded in revealing the fundamental technical issues of composition and demonstrating how to solve them in various ways. Through such exploration, it encourages students to develop their judgment by evaluating multiple possibilities.