Description

Author: Leonard B. Meyer (1919-2008)
Leonard B. Meyer was the Benjamin Franklin Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Pennsylvania.
« Altogether it is a book that should be required reading for any student of music, be he composer, performer, or theorist. It clears the air of many confused notions . . . and lays the groundwork for exhaustive study of the basic problem of music theory and aesthetics, the relationship between pattern and meaning. »
David Kraehenbuehl, Journal of Music Theory
« This is the best study of its kind to have come to the attention of this reviewer. »
Jules Wolffers, The Christian Science Monitor
« It is not too much to say that his approach provides a basis for the meaningful discussion of emotion and meaning in all art. »
David P. McAllester, American Anthropologist
« A book which should be read by all who want deeper insights into music listening, performing, and composing. »
Marcus G. Raskin, Chicago Review
Contents:
I. Theory
II. Expectation and Learning
III. Principles of Pattern Perception: The Law of Good Continuation
IV. Principles of Pattern Perception: Completion and Closure
V. Principles of Pattern Perception: The Weakening of Shape
VI. The Evidence: Deviation in Performance and Tonal Organization
VII. The Evidence: Simultaneous and Successive Deviation
VIII. Note on Image Processes, Connotations, and Moods