HarmonyThis fifth edition of Harmony marks the forty-fifth year of its successful use.4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Hot take
Walter Piston's 'Harmony' remains a foundational text in the study of Western tonal harmony, widely respected for its comprehensive and systematic treatment of common-practice techniques. The fifth edition continues to serve as both an in-depth introductory course and an invaluable reference for more advanced musicians, thanks to its meticulous revisions and expanded content, including new chapters and exercises. However, its dense, academic prose and focus on orchestral music can make it feel dated and less approachable for self-taught musicians or those outside classical traditions. The text's dryness and lack of engaging musical examples may be off-putting for learners seeking a more interactive or modern approach. Still, for dedicated students and educators, it stands as a benchmark in music theory literature.
How was this take was created?
Pros
Authoritative and comprehensive coverage of tonal harmony
Widely respected and often used in academic settings
Expanded content and exercises in newer editions
Serves as both a coursebook and a reference
Helps develop a deep, methodical understanding of harmony
Cons
Writing style is dense and can be dry
Orchestral/classical focus may not suit all musicians
Lacks engaging or diverse musical examples
Difficult for beginners or self-taught learners
Some editions feel dated and less relevant to modern genres
Key Features
Comprehensive treatment of common-practice harmony
In-depth theoretical explanations
Revised and expanded chapters
New exercises and music examples in later editions
Reference for academic and professional musicians
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