Techniques 20th Century Composition: A Guide to the Materials of Modern Music

Rating:
Summary: Helpful book
Review: For students that are looking for having a general view on the techniques employed by composers from the beginning of our century this book will represent a good guide. However, its brief explanations and examples about each procedure/technique is just an appetizer for future depth analysis of the mentioned composers/works.

Rating:
Summary: Expanding the Musical Language
Review: I consider this book to be valuable for beginning composition students because its examples constitute a useful and varied sampling of early to middle 20th century composers and techniques. Its explanations are readable and focus on musical values.

Dallin offers the student numerous pathways to depart from or expand upon common practice theory while maintaining coherence and expressivity. The important issues of developing ideas and creating cohesive forms are addressed in later chapters.

Along with a steady diet of score study and compositional exercises, this book can be a valuable tool for the student composer.