Music Notation and Terminology
Karl Wilson Gehrkens
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Until relatively recently, music students at all levels of study—from the conservatories to public schools—had few resources available for the formal study of musical notation and terminology in the classroom. In fact, it was not until 1914, when Professor Karl Gehrkens at the Oberlin School of Music published this compilation of class notes and sources he collected over the years, that a uniform text became available for schools and universities everywhere. Since the publication of this monumental work, similar textbooks have emerged, but Dr. Gehrkens’ contribution remains thoroughly worthwhile—particularly since it provides not just the definitions of musical terms, but also the historical context of those terms. This inclusion enables students of music to better understand and remember those terms, and provides a platform from which Gehrkens argues for a uniform usage of musical terminology. Also included in the book are numerous musical excerpts, pictures, and actual analyses of musical examples.
Recommended for the musically curious as well as the serious musical student. (Summary by Susan) (6 hr 26 min)
Chapters
00- Preface | 5:27 | Read by Miriam Esther Goldman (1991-2017) |
01- Some Principles of Correct Notation | 9:55 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
02- Symbols of Music Defined | 9:04 | Read by THOVO |
03- Symbols of Music Defined (continued) | 8:54 | Read by Patrick Wells |
04- Abbreviations, Signs, etc. | 8:02 | Read by Jennifer Stearns |
05- Abbreviations, Signs, etc. (continued) | 14:32 | Read by Sandra G |
06- Embellishments | 9:47 | Read by Jennifer Stearns |
07- Scales | 14:10 | Read by Jilliane Brandt |
08- Scales (continued) | 20:11 | Read by Patrick Wells |
09- Auxillary Words and Endings | 8:39 | Read by Jeffrey Powers |
10- Measure | 9:46 | Read by Karen Commins |
11- Tempo | 9:12 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
12- Tempo (continued) | 11:42 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
13- Dynamics | 15:53 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
14- Terms Relating to Forms and Styles | 11:14 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
15- Terms Relating to Forms and Styles (continued) | 21:15 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
16- Terms Relating to Vocal Music | 15:01 | Read by Miriam Esther Goldman (1991-2017) |
17- Rhythm, Melody, Harmony and Intervals | 13:29 | Read by Ruth Golding |
18- Chords, Cadences, etc. | 13:25 | Read by Todd Garrison |
19- Miscellaneous Terms | 13:28 | Read by Mark I. Smith |
20- Miscellaneous Terms (continued) | 9:37 | Read by Patrick Wells |
21- Appendix A- The History of Music Notation | 26:16 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
22- Appendix B- Musical Instruments | 35:51 | Read by Sandra G |
23- Appendix C- Acoustics | 14:40 | Read by Rachel Gatwood |
24- Appendix D- Terminology Reform | 24:02 | Read by David P. Sroka |
25- Appendix E- Analysis of Beethoven Sonata, Op. 31, No. 3 | 8:43 | Read by Jeanie |
26- Pronouncing Index | 24:03 | Read by Diana Majlinger |
Reviews
Great Credit to the Readers
Bibliophile
I have yet to finish listening to this but at the end of the first chapter, I was seriously impressed by the readers' performance and the inclusion of both music and descriptions of the illustrations. It was an ambitious undertaking and well executed. Passing acquaintance with musical terminology may be required to comprehend the first chapter but some of the terms used appear to be elaborated on later. Useful in combination with other materials for learning basic music theory.