Tonal allegory in the vocal music of J. S. Bach / Eric Chafe.
| Author/creator |
Chafe, Eric Thomas, 1946- |
| Format | Book and Print |
| Publication Info | Berkeley : University of California Press, ©1991. |
| Description | x, 449 pages : music ; 26 cm |
| Subject(s) |
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| Contents | Theology and tonal allegory in the music of J.S. Bach -- B-A-C-H: what's in a name? -- Aspects of tonal theory in the early eighteenth century -- The "Actus tragicus" -- Tonal planning in the Weimar cantatas -- Tonal planning in the Leipzig cantatas I: the image of the world -- Tonal planning in the Leipzig cantatas II -- "Schweig' nur, taumelnde Vernunft": reason contra faith in the cantatas -- "Hercules auf dem Scheidewege" and the Christmas oratorio -- The St. John passion: theological themes -- The St. John passion: tonal planning and musical structure -- The St. Matthew passion: the Lutheran meditative tradition -- The St. Matthew passion: dialogues, chorales, Turbae -- The St. Matthew passion: theology and tonal allegory. |
| Abstract | With this book, the author responds to the serious need for an interpretive study that takes into account the theological content of Bach's texts and his principles of setting them to music. He sets forth a principle called "tonal allegory" as a fundamental expression of the Baroque concept of music and its relationship to spiritual life. Chafe studies cantatas from all periods of Bach's life, the two Passions, the Christmas Oratorio, and selected secular works, all with a view towards delineating Bach's application of the principle of "tonal allegory." One result is the recognition of many patterns of tonal planning and of four basic tonal-plan "types" that appear in many works. For more than three decades Bach scholarship has been dominated by source and editing questions, stimulated by work on the New Bach Edition (Neue Bach-Ausgabe). Here, Chafe hopes to encourage a move toward more interpretive studies, based on a combination of Baroque music theory, historical theology, and the documents of Bach's time. His work provides a secure basis for an analysis of the development of Bach's sacred music and thus a beginning for a comprehensive reassessment of one of our greatest musical geniuses. |
| Local note | Little-276218 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 424-440) and indexes. |
| LCCN | 90040050 |
| ISBN | 0520058569 (alk. paper) |
Available Items
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions | |
| Music | Music Stacks | ML410.B13 C47 1991 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |