Best books about chamber music according to redditors
We found 49 Reddit comments discussing the best books about chamber music. We ranked the 18 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 49 Reddit comments discussing the best books about chamber music. We ranked the 18 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
William Leavitt - Melodic Rhythms for Guitar
Thomas A. Brown - Afro-Latin Rhythm Dictionary
Justin London - Hearing in Time: Psychological Aspects of Musical Meter
Christopher Hasty - Meter as Rhythm
Charles Francis Abdy Williams - The Aristoxenian Theory of Musical Rhythm
Kalin Kirilov - Bulgarian Harmony: In Village, Wedding, and Choral Music of the Last Century (See his dissertation, which has a lot of the same content.)
Kofi Agawu - African Rhythm: A Northern Ewe Perspective
Kofi Agawu - Rhythmic Imagination in African Music (presentation), covering some of the topics in his book, The African Imagination in Music.
Richard Cohn - A Platonic Model of Funky Rhythms, or How to Get That Swing (presentation)
Hey man,
Same thing happened to me a few years ago. I just started writing on paper with piano if I needed help with pitches. I'd write as many pages as possible and then put what I did on finale just to hear what I wrote. It seems like a good method because nothing really beats the formatting of a good notation program but as many of my Comp. Prof.'s have said, "Midi isn't real. It will trick you." I think that's the most important part of this whole process. Something you write on midi might be very impossible (or uselessly difficult). Also, feel free to bring some music to someone who actually play the instrument you are writing for and asking them to play through it. Most performers I know are always willing to do this if they aren't too busy already!
When I started composing microtonaly (year or so ago) this became an even bigger problem for me and I started having to rely on my ear and experimenting with different types of synthesizers to determine an approximate sound. It gets better as you write things out though. Just by working things out from your head to paper for a while you develop a stronger ability to compose without midi crutches.
Some benefits of doing this you might not have thought of:
Hope this convinces you this is a good idea.
Make sure you have a strong hold on proper notation/orchestration (A useful resource - http://www.amazon.com/The-Study-Orchestration-Third-Edition/dp/039397572X, bit pricey though) And also, this site has been a miracle for me - http://www.music.indiana.edu/department/composition/isfee/. This will save you a lot of time.
Best of luck! Also, just trust yourself and your ear. This stuff takes time, patience, and practice (like all things music).
Edit: Some Trivia - many composers of the past (those without the miracle/curse of notation software) would just sketch things out and short hand things ("repeat this here", "ostinato bass" etc.) and then hand it to a publisher to put together when it was done. For example, Beethoven. I mean look at this crap - https://www.google.com/search?q=beethoven+hand+written+music&client=firefox-a&hs=fUD&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=fflb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=8kpKUqyCL4fi2AXV0YGQBA&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=701&dpr=1#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=MP65Ypeh4KL_nM%3A%3B-WsvncUQEMICJM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fclassicalmusicblog.com%252F2007%252F09%252Fimages%252Fmvt1-facsimile-s.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fclassicalmusicblog.com%252F2007%252F09%252Fbeethoven-sonata.html%3B580%3B463. Think of the notation software as your robotic publisher. That's what I do.
Some classic texts on orchestration that you might find useful:
Northern Sounds has an interactive version of the classic Rimsky-Korsakov Principles of Orchestration. I often find myself referring to it when I'm arranging and/or orchestrating along with my hardcover Adler text.
It helps to get a book on orchestration. I have Adler's and in it he examines each instrument and family. Helps familiarize yourself with their idiosyncracies.
Edit: Added link.
This is the standard orchestration text that will cover this stuff more in-depth.
If you want to get into large ensemble stuff rather than chamber music, I strongly suggest you pick up a book on orchestration. Here is one that I've read and would recommend. It will teach you some of the typical textures that each section of the orchestra is known for and gradually work you into bringing them together, starting with solo strings, to ensemble strings, to the entire string section, and eventually the whole orchestra.
If you've written prog-rock before, then I trust you know your fair share of theory, or at the very least, some degree of harmony, so you're probably fine on that end. What's more, you likely have some experience writing outside of the typical, pop-oriented verse-chorus structure, though you might want to also study a bit of the traditional forms used in classical music.
Beyond that, as was mentioned before, listen to a lot of the big names in orchestral music and steal whatever you can get away with.
I took an arranging course for my music degree and I really love the textbook they made us purchase. It's this! http://www.amazon.com/Study-Orchestration-Third-Samuel-Adler/dp/039397572X/
I personally think it's very helpful. :) I know it's expensive, but I think the investment is worth it.
As for counterpoint, I like Joseph Fux! There was a textbook that I used, but unfortunately I don't remember it. (It's at home and I live at an off-campus apartment) http://www.amazon.com/Study-Counterpoint-Johann-Joseph-Parnassum/dp/0393002772
I hope this helps :) But if you want somethiing free there's this .... http://imslp.org/wiki/Principles_of_Orchestration_%28Rimsky-Korsakov,_Nikolay%29
https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Band-Notes-Eddie-Green/dp/1423498844
The author was actually my methods teacher in college, this is a wonderful combination on the man who made Texas bands what they are, and the notes for how to teach all of the most important subjects in band are phenomenal. Enjoy!!!
Here is a list of books that I own and were recommended to me.
Harmony and Voice Leading by Aldwell/Schachter/Cadwallader
Classical Form: A Theory of Formal Functions for the Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven by Caplin
Study of Orchestration by Adler
20th century Harmony by Persichetti
Ahh, that makes sense, sorry \^\^;
There are books on a huge variety of subjects in music, so it does depend a little bit on what you are interested in specifically. For a broad overview, I liked A History of Western Music - the current edition is the 8th, but much of the materials from the 7th edition are available online. Another book I recommend is Harold C. Schonberg's The Lives of the Great Composers. It is less in-depth, but is written in a more narrative style while still hitting on a lot of the "who's who" in classical music from the Baroque to the 20th century (although it's maybe a tad outdated in the later 20th and 21st century).
Besides those two, I actually don't have any others on the top of my head that are good overviews. /u/m3g0wnz does have a guide to music theory textbooks on the sidebar that details out some of the main texts in that area. And, of course, there are books that specialize on a variety of subjects within music theory and history - Ebenezer Prout's book on fugues is one such example that I've looked at, as well as both the Kennan and Adler on the subject of orchestration. (Actually, Kennan also wrote a book on Counterpoint.)
On the subject of sight-singing, I've used both Rhythm and Pitch and A New Approach to Sight Singing in my aural skills classes - I like the Berkowitz a little better in the way it's organized, but both offer plenty of examples for practice. Alternatively, picking up a hymnal is possibly an easier alternative to sightsinging that gives you lots of tonal material for practice.
With most of my other suggestions, though, you don't really need a book. Print out some scores on IMSLP or pick up a cheap study edition (like this one of Mozart piano sonatas) and work through a harmonic/formal analysis.
With transposition, I think probably just working through some scores on IMSLP would be a good start, as well - I can't think of any other better way to get exercises for that. It's one of those topics that's pretty easy to quiz yourself with as long as you keep yourself honest. :)
Edit to add: As far as specifics of literature, that is obviously pretty instrument-dependent. I am a vocalist, and I usually choose language first and then begin exploring pieces that might work with my current technical goals. I know a lot of instrumentalists treat genre/time period the same way. So depending on your instrument, you may have a different approach, but it helps to narrow things down to a few composers you might like to explore for your instrument, and then seeing if anything works for you. Although be wary - for me I end up getting so involved in lit studies that I have a list a mile long of pieces I want to study in the future. It's a double-edged sword for sure.
Samuel Adler's Study of Orchestration is the best, hands down. I've had it for a while and it tells you everything. Read through it a couple times, then keep it on your shelf to check your notation after you finish pieces.
Sure! Here are a few that have helped me out:
The textbook that my school uses for beginning theory classes is The Complete Musician by Steven Laitz. It is a pretty comprehensive look at tonality, covering the very basics through 19th century theory. Isn't too pricey either: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Musician-Integrated-Approach-Listening/dp/0199742782
Fux's Gradus ad Parnassum is a great place to begin working on counterpoint: http://www.amazon.com/Study-Counterpoint-Johann-Joseph-Parnassum/dp/0393002772/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368896313&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=gradus+ad+parnasam+fux
Samuel Adler's The Study of Orchestration is my current go to book when researching the basics of different instruments and orchestration techniques: http://www.amazon.com/Study-Orchestration-Third-Samuel-Adler/dp/039397572X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368896395&sr=1-1&keywords=samuel+adler+orchestration
Lastly, once you feel you have developed a solid foundation with your theory knowledge, I can't stress enough the importance of studying/analyzing scores. It is (in my opinion) the best way of learning how to compose. One can learn so much from one score!
It's interesting, but it's getting a little old now...
Of course, it's still important as a historical document, but some of the informations are outdated (some of the techniques, registral qualities) since orchestras, and instruments themselves, have changed since Berlioz wrote his treatise.
I, personally, use Adler's Study of Orchestration, which I think the best orchestration book for modern orchestras.
Many years ago I fell in love with Len Lyons book "The 101 Best Jazz Albums"(1980):
https://www.amazon.com/The-101-Best-Jazz-Albums/dp/0688087205/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362348815&sr=8-1&keywords=Len+Lyons%3A+101+Best+Jazz+Albums
It attempted to grasp the entire world of jazz by 101 records - like we do now.
It partially succeeded, and was a great read. But it was dependent on compilations released in the 70's, as even classic jazz lp's from the 50's and 60's weren't in print in their original form in the 70's.
Today I found this blogpost, which has revised and updated Lyons discography to what is available today:
http://corejazz.blogspot.dk/p/best-jazz-albums.html
So, consider this as an inspirational list for including pre-1948 recordings in your personal lists.
In no particular order, here are some things that come to mind:
Modes of Rhythm
Anthony Wellington teaches slap bass and rhythm using the "Modes of Rhythm" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asYfvMzjk7M
This is an interesting approach to working with rhythm.
Arranging for Large Jazz Ensemble by Dick Lowell
https://www.amazon.com/Arranging-Large-Jazz-Ensemble-Pullig/dp/0634036564/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=dick+lowell&qid=1554352576&s=gateway&sr=8-4
Good resource for jazz arranging
The Study of Orchestration by Samuel Adler
https://www.amazon.com/Study-Orchestration-Third-Samuel-Adler/dp/039397572X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=270ZIQBMLZL3O&keywords=study+of+orchestration&qid=1554354116&s=gateway&sprefix=study+of+orc%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-2
I have the 3rd edition. Get it used rather than new. This is a popular choice when studying instrumentation and orchestration for orchestral/chamber music.
Other good orchestration online resources:
http://resources.music.indiana.edu/isfee/
https://www.vsl.co.at/en/Academy/Instrumentology/
The Secrets of Dance Music Production
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Dance-Music-Production/dp/0956446035/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=attack+magazine&qid=1554356008&s=gateway&sr=8-1
I haven't checked this one out completely, but it's an interesting resource for electronic music with great visual analysis
And if you're looking for things to improve your composing skills, definitely study counterpoint. Start with Species counterpoint then move to other styles/eras. Learning this completely changed my perspective of theory and why we learn it.
Hope that helps.
One of my ongoing lifetime study/analysis projects is of Beethoven's quartets, with Joseph Kerman's text as my guide. He goes through each quartet, giving some background but mainly doing analysis, all of which should be understandable and enlightening given your level. Of course all the scores are on IMSLP, but the Dover edition is wonderful to own.
Copland's What to listen for in Music was really good, but more geared to the classical novice; still worth the read, nonetheless.
Toch's The Shaping Forces of Music was a serious eye opener for me as a composer. It really out everything I was learning in school into perspective and helped me make sense of the purpose of all that I was being taught.
Rimsky-Korsakov's Principles of Orchestration was a very good book that showed me all the idiosyncrasies of writing for symphony in a very clear manner.
Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/Improvising-Jazz-Fireside-Jerry-Coker/dp/0671628291
It's jazz-centric so feel free to skip some of the chapters where you find it not relevant, but there are good sections on getting a group off the ground and how to practice chord progressions as a group, from beginner to advanced topics. Quite an easy read. I think it helps to start with the jazz framework and then tailor them to meet your expectations.
This book deals with music, community, and economics in post Katrina New Orleans:
http://www.amazon.com/Roll-With-It-Refiguring-American/dp/0822355671
If she doesn't have it already, I highly recommend Samuel Adler's "Study of Orchestration" book - http://www.amazon.com/Study-Orchestration-Third-Samuel-Adler/dp/039397572X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323789264&sr=8-2 If she's going to school for music composition, she'll more than likely need this any way. Might be good to get her a head start!
The Study of Orchestration by Samuel Adler is a go to text.
It can be found in less legitimate means if the price is something to balk at.
Galamian's Principles of Violin Playing and Teaching - The advice about practicing is excellent, and you'll use it as a reference for years to come.
If you're looking for an inspiring narrative rather than something purely instructional, check out: Indivisible by Four : A String Quartet in Pursuit Of Harmony or something like Miraculous Teacher: Ivan Galamian & the Meadowmount Experience
The fingering should be thumb for the first fret and then your fourth and fifth fingers for the fifth fret. This is the book you want to get
Intelligent Music Teaching by Robert Duke
On Teaching Band by Mary Ellen Cavitt
I have a book of Scottish folk song tabs by Sam Muir which I love. The publisher also has Irish and English ones in the series. Here’s the Irish one: Irish Folk Tunes For Ukulele: 36 Traditional Pieces W/ Cd https://www.amazon.com/dp/1847613608/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_R2TCCbA8P76Q8
I don’t know how it is for beginners but there are some beginner friendly ones in the Scottish one, so hopefully it’s the same!
I have an old (1947) copy of The Concert Companion which is quite well written. Information on hundreds of pieces, though there might be similar books out there that are more updated. Here's a link to some on Amazon.
Do it!! And dude, high five for being a jazzer.
Composition resources... I have a few things that I enjoy using: The Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns (sidenote: the best shed dictionary ever), an orchestration book or wikipedia the instrument you're looking for a range on, IMSLP also known as "so that's how that works", and jazz theory/harmony... though I don't have a book to recommend on that one, as I learned it in a trial by fire sort of way. As far as notation software goes, I'm a big Finale junkie, though there's little advantage to Finale over Sibelius until you get to doing weird things with the software. I've heard some really good things about Reason, though haven't tried it personally because my computer doesn't spec for it. Since you're probably more theory minded, I'd suggest starting with jazz and reverse engineering yourself a tune/chart from a progression you like. It's sorta like writing a solo, but with an eraser. //rambling...
Theremin?! That's so awesome.
Yeah. I totally hear you on that one. I have like nothing to add to a discussion about some fancy new microphone or being in a cover band.
An orchestration book sounds like a VERY good idea... is this the one you're talking about?
There's a fair chance that no one will ever have to touch the stuff I've written. We did our performances (for the shows we didn't get an orchestra together so they were just piano/keyboard/guitar), and we're wrapping up studio recordings of the show, which is what I created the orchestrations FOR since I had the chance to have them be heard (digital orchestrations, yay!). Anyway, I'm putting together a master score at this point mostly for my own education and satisfaction. There's a slight chance that perhaps the show will be rented out someday, but who knows. Either way I'd like an accurate score of everything :). Thanks!
http://www.amazon.com/Study-Orchestration-Third-Edition-Samuel/dp/039397572X
That's the best one for instrumentation. Very thorough.
EDIT: Here's the amazon link to the book
I love the Adler but only because I'm a huge geek
If possible, look into taking a class at a local college.
Otherwise, check out an orchestration textbook like https://www.amazon.com/Study-Orchestration-Third-Samuel-Adler/dp/039397572X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467290384&sr=8-1&keywords=the+study+of+orchestration+samuel+adler
That's what a lot of schools use when teaching orchestration. This will help you learn how to write for specific instruments and covers many techniques. Another great way to improve your orchestration is to study scores. If you are looking for a specific "rich sound" like what you hear in whomever's symphony no. 2, then get a score for it and listen to it! I advise listening to it once without a score or listening but not looking too closely at it and following along.
Stick a page marker in the book on a page you find interesting or when you hear a sound you like, then come back to it and try to figure out what you like about it! The textbook will help a lot because it can inform you of a technique you may be unfamiliar with: what it's called, and how to notate it correctly. If you get a copy of the book with CDs you can hear some examples of everything in the book.
Another way to help if you can't find or afford the book is to find someone who plays the instruments you're writing for and go to them with pen and paper and ask them "show me every interesting trick or technique you know how to play." have them spell out whatever it's called and show you how you would notate it as well.
And like composing any new thing, the more you do it, the better at it you'll be.
Try it out. Dive in, see what works, what doesn't. Back it up with theory. I'm fond of these as resources:
Find scores you enjoy, and study those. Harmonics, counter-point, instrumentation, melodic structure, and so on. I'm particularly fond of James Newton Howard scores, and Jeff Atmajian's orchestration work on his projects. Like Ravel? Start there and become really intimate with Ravel and his scores and techniques.
That said, I'm also happy to orchestrate something for you. PM'd you.
Forget all the other books: Sam Adler's is the one you want to read & reference. Highly comprehensive, and it uses a ton of examples (not just Rimsky-Korsakov works). Plus, the third edition is updated for 20th century writing.
Never heard of the Russo book till now, but this is what I used and still use - Samuel Adler's The study of Orchestration.
[The Study of Orchestration by Sam Alder] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Study-Orchestration-Third-Edition/dp/039397572X/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1396568479&sr=8-5&keywords=orchestration) is a good one, although a bit expensive.
Fundamentals of Composition by Arnold Schoenberg is one I really enjoyed, and goes from simpler forms and melodies to much more advanced areas.
Well the first issue you talk about-- the assignment of notes in your chords to instruments of the orchestra-- is orchestration. Here are a couple of good textbooks that cover that:
The other issues are covered by some of the topics in "voice leading." It sounds like you have an understanding of chord progression, but things like harmonic rhythm or how fast chords change is also covered in voice leading. Many of those decisions are yours to make and that's what makes it fun! Some composers will create a harmonic rhythm that they will use to create a structure throughout the piece. I am a professional composer and would be happy to answer any other questions. Good luck!
A Guide to Orchestral Music: A handbook for non-musicians is amazingly helpful and well written.