Tonality and Transformation

First edition, 2014, in paperback.

A new approach to tonal analysis and to the study of the listener's experience of tonal music
An accessible introduction to transformational theory in general
Vivid analytical application of fields whose treatment is otherwise heavy on theory
Winner of the Emerging Scholar Award from the Society of Music Theory

Tonality and Transformation is a groundbreaking study in the analysis of tonal music. Focusing on the listener's experience, author Steven Rings employs transformational music theory to illuminate diverse aspects of tonal hearing - from the infusion of sounding pitches with familiar tonal qualities to sensations of directedness and attraction. In the process, Rings introduces a host of new analytical techniques for the study of the tonal repertory, demonstrating their application in vivid interpretive set pieces on music from Bach to Mahler. The analyses place the book's novel techniques in dialogue with existing tonal methodologies, such as Schenkerian theory, avoiding partisan debate in favor of a methodologically careful, pluralistic approach. Rings also engages neo-Riemannian theory-a popular branch of transformational thought focused on chromatic harmony-reanimating its basic operations with tonal dynamism and bringing them into closer rapprochement with traditional tonal concepts.
Written in a direct and engaging style, with lively prose and plain-English descriptions of all technical ideas, Tonality and Transformation balances theoretical substance with accessibility: it will appeal to both specialists and non-specialists. It is a particularly attractive volume for those new to transformational theory: in addition to its original theoretical content, the book offers an excellent introduction to transformational thought, including a chapter that outlines the theory's conceptual foundations and formal apparatus, as well as a glossary of common technical terms. A contribution to our understanding of tonal phenomenology and a landmark in the analytical application of transformational techniques, Tonality and Transformation is an indispensible work of music theory.

CONTENIDO:


Note to Readers
A Note on Orthography
Introduction

- Part I: Theory and Methodology
1: Intervals, Transformations, and Tonal Analysis
2: A Tonal GIS
3: Oriented Networks

- Part II: Analytical Essays
4: Bach, Fugue in E major, Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II, BWV 878
5: Mozart, "Un'aura amorosa," from Così fan tutte
6: Brahms, Intermezzo in A major, op. 118, no. 2
7: Brahms, String Quintet in G major, mvt. ii, Adagio

Glossary
Works Cited
Index