The Craft of Musical Composition

Originally published in the 1940s, Paul Hindemith's remarkable textbooks are still the outstanding works of their kind. In contrast to many musical textbooks written by academic musicians, these were produced by a man who could play every instrument of the orchestra, could compose a satisfying piece for almost every kind of ensemble, and who was one of the most stimulating teachers of his day. It is therefore not surprising that many years later these books should remain essential reading for the student and the professional musician.



Preface - Construction of the Simplest One-Voice Melodic Patterns - Beginning of Two-Voice Setting - Elaborated Melody (Auxiliary or Teturning Tones, Passing Tones) - Elaborated Melody (Continuation) - Principles of Melodic Construction - Elaborated Melody (Conclusion) - Tonal Higher-Units - Tonality of the Melodies - Elaboration of the Melody Model - Free Two-Voice Setting I and II