March 2023 MBR The Music Shelf

The Music Shelf

Rimsky-Korsakov's Harmonic Theory
Larisa P. Jackson
University of North Texas Press
1155 Union Circle #311336, Denton, TX 76203-5017
www.untpress.unt.edu
9781574418606, $29.95, HC, 288pp

https://www.amazon.com/Rimsky-Korsakovs-Harmonic-Theory-Practical-Traditions/dp/1574418602

Synopsis: With the publication of "Rimsky-Korsakov's Harmonic Theory: Practical Manual of Harmony, Its Sources, History, and Traditions", Professor Larisa P. Jackson presents the first comprehensive study of this legendary Russian composer's concept of harmony that also traces the history of tonal relationships.

Professor Jackson describes and examines Rimsky-Korsakov's distinctive harmonic theory using his Practical Manual of Harmony as a basis, and places it in historical context of nineteenth-century music theory. She also explores in great detail a concept of tonal relationships, fundamental to Rimsky-Korsakov's view of harmony, and relates this to ideas by German theorists of the period and the Russian theoretical tradition.

Professor Jackson deftly examines the concept of modulation and of the relationship of keys and presents a model of his tonal space/map extrapolated from his harmonic system. Additionaly, she identifies specific treatises that help to trace ties between German theoretical ideas and Rimsky-Korsakov's work.

Critique: An impressive work of original scholarship and enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of seven Appendices, thirty-four pages of Notes, a fourteen page Bibliography, and a nine page Index, "Rimsky-Korsakov's Harmonic Theory: Practical Manual of Harmony, Its Sources, History, and Traditions" is a seminal study that will have a very special value for anyone interested in Russian/German Music History & Criticism. While a unique and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Music History collections, it should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the life and work of Rimsky-Korsakov that "Rimsky-Korsakov's Harmonic Theory" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.96).

Editorial Note: Larisa P. Jackson (https://untpress.unt.edu/authors/jackson-larisa) studied at Mussorgsky Music College in St. Petersburg, Russia, and completed her M.A., M. Phil., and Ph.D. at Columbia University in New York City under eminent music theorist Ian Bent. She has taught at the University of Houston since 2001.

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