The Structure of Atonal Music

by Allen Forte

Describes and cites examples of pitch-class sets and relations in atonal music.

Genres: Music, Mathematics

233 pages, Hardcover

First published January 14, 1974

Reviews

[Jim MacKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a revolutionary work of music theory, Allen Forte introduces his mathematically-based concept of pitch-class set theory as a means of analyzing atonal music, particularly the music of such composers as Schoenberg, Webern, Berg, Stravinsky, and Bartók. Formalizing groups of pitch-class set classes, Forte moves on to describe how these set classes might relate to one another through such operations as transposition and inversion.  Finally, Forte applies his theory of pitch-class set relations to actual compositions.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for all interested in the workings of contemporary music. Technical, but then so are you. :)

[Arturo Perez]

I'm

[Joshua Clement · Rating 1 out of 5]

All the useful information in this book could have been covered in about 5 pages.

[dale paul]

Mmm... Thank you.