Book cover of Theory of Harmony

Book description

There is a new critical foreword by Walter Frisch, H. Harold Gumm/Harry and Albert von Tilzer Professor of Music at Columbia University, that expands this centennial edition. Frisch puts Schoenberg's masterpiece into historical and ideological context, delineating the connections between music, theory, art, science, and architecture in turn-of-the century Austro-German…


When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Theory of Harmony as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

After learning counterpoint from the greatest, why not learn harmony from the genius who took it so far it unraveled? Before diving headfirst into atonality (a mistake), Schoenberg was a master of Harmony (with a capital H!), and this book is filled with nuggets of wisdom that I gobbled up hungrily, albeit in small bites because it’s so dense and profound. 

From Deke's list on make great music.

If you love Theory of Harmony...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Theory of Harmony?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Theory of Harmony.

Browse books like Theory of Harmony

Book cover of The Study of Counterpoint: From Johann Joseph Fux's Gradus ad Parnassum
Book cover of Composing Music: A New Approach
Book cover of All You Need to Know About the Music Business

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Theory of Harmony, you might also like...

Book cover of Deadly Revenge

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley,

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with…

Book cover of The Duty of Memory

The Duty of Memory by Vicki Olsen,

Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.

This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and women…

5 book lists we think you will like!