Music theorist Eric Wen presents in-depth analyses of seven masterworks from the common-practice period of Western art:Bach: Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D, BWV 1068 Mendelssohn: Andante con moto tranquillo from Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49 Schubert: Nacht und Traume, D. 827 Haydn: Adagio - Vivace assai from Symphony No. 94 in G, Hob.I:94 Mozart: Molto Allegro from Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 Beethoven: Marcia funebre: Adagio assai from Symphony No. 3 in E-flat, Op. 55 Brahms: Un poco presto e con sentimento from Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108Wen employs the analytic approach developed by Heinrich Schenker, a method that uses musical notation to clarify and illuminate a work's structural hierarchies. Copiously illustrated with analytic musical examples that elucidate the tonal organisation of each of the seven works, this study also explores aspects of form, rhythmic organisation, and programmatic meaning. Rather than a straightforward exposition, the analytic enquiry is presented in the form of a dialogue between teacher and student, a format that helps focus on specific aspects and allows exploration of a variety of interpretations. This volume will be of particular interest to musicologists and professional musicians, and it will also appeal to listeners keen to probe the rich complexities of these masterpieces.
