Music Notation and Terminology

Karl Wilson Gehrkens (1882 - 1975)

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)

Genre(s): *Non-fiction, Music

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 00 00- Preface Miriam Esther Goldman (1991-2017)
00:05:27
Play 01 01- Some Principles of Correct Notation Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
00:09:55
Play 02 02- Symbols of Music Defined THOVO
00:09:04
Play 03 03- Symbols of Music Defined (continued) Patrick Wells
00:08:54
Play 04 04- Abbreviations, Signs, etc. Jennifer Stearns
00:08:02
Play 05 05- Abbreviations, Signs, etc. (continued) Sandra G
00:14:32
Play 06 06- Embellishments Jennifer Stearns
00:09:47
Play 07 07- Scales Jilliane Brandt
00:14:10
Play 08 08- Scales (continued) Patrick Wells
00:20:11
Play 09 09- Auxillary Words and Endings Jeffrey Powers
00:08:39
Play 10 10- Measure Karen Commins
00:09:46
Play 11 11- Tempo Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
00:09:12
Play 12 12- Tempo (continued) Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
00:11:42
Play 13 13- Dynamics Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
00:15:53
Play 14 14- Terms Relating to Forms and Styles Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
00:11:14
Play 15 15- Terms Relating to Forms and Styles (continued) Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
00:21:15
Play 16 16- Terms Relating to Vocal Music Miriam Esther Goldman (1991-2017)
00:15:01
Play 17 17- Rhythm, Melody, Harmony and Intervals Ruth Golding
00:13:29
Play 18 18- Chords, Cadences, etc. Todd Garrison
00:13:25
Play 19 19- Miscellaneous Terms Mark I. Smith
00:13:28
Play 20 20- Miscellaneous Terms (continued) Patrick Wells
00:09:37
Play 21 21- Appendix A- The History of Music Notation Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
00:26:16
Play 22 22- Appendix B- Musical Instruments Sandra G
00:35:51
Play 23 23- Appendix C- Acoustics Rachel Gatwood
00:14:40
Play 24 24- Appendix D- Terminology Reform David P. Sroka
00:24:02
Play 25 25- Appendix E- Analysis of Beethoven Sonata, Op. 31, No. 3 Jeanie
00:08:43
Play 26 26- Pronouncing Index Diana Majlinger
00:24:03