The concepts of theorist Heinrich Schenker offer a unique method of
structural analysis that differentiates between harmonic and
contrapuntal functions of chords, emphasizing the relative significance
of all tones in terms of motion and direction in the achievement of
organic tonal unity.
These sketches study the musical architecture of five compositions from
three stylistic periods: two compositions by Bach -- Ich bin's, ich
sollte büssen from the St. Matthew Passion and the Prelude No. 1 in C
Major from Book I of The Well-Tempered Clavier; the development
section from the first movement of Haydn's Sonata for Piano in E-Flat
Major; and two ètudes by Chopin -- in F Major, Op. 10, No. 8, and in C
Minor, Op. 10, No. 12. Each composition is analyzed in a series of
sketches, with selective interpretations of chords, indications of voice
leading, and other easily understood devices that demonstrate Schenker's
theories and their expression.