Charles-Simon Catel's Treatise on Harmony and the Disciplining of Harmony at the Early Paris Conservatory

The Treatise on Harmony and the Disciplining of Harmony at the Early Paris Conservatory by Charles-Simon Catel explores the formation of the discipline of harmony at the Conservatory, focusing on the 1801 treatise by Catel. Michael J. Masci reconstitutes the contours of the dynamic disciplinary network that determined the content and scope of the study of harmony in Paris, examining the forces that shaped Catel's text and the Conservatory's internal hierarchies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Charles-Simon Catel's Treatise on Harmony and the Disciplining of Harmony at the Early Paris Conservatory provides a comprehensive account of the development of the discipline of harmony at the early Paris Conservatory. The treatise, written by Charles-Simon Catel, the inaugural harmony professor at the Conservatory, in 1801, serves as a pivotal point in tracing the evolution of the field.

In order to understand the forces that shaped Catel's text and the discipline of harmony more broadly, Michael J. Masci delves into the historical context. He examines the interplay between music theoretical and wider cultural forces that contributed to the formation of the dynamic "disciplinary network" that determined the content and scope of harmony study in Paris.

One significant aspect of this network was the institutional ties between the Conservatory and the Opéra and French military. Catel's authority as a music theorist, coupled with his connections within these institutions, further enhanced his influence. The Conservatory's internal hierarchies also played a crucial role in ensuring the transmission of his ideas throughout the middle of the nineteenth century.

This book continues in the tradition of recent partimento scholarship by excavating the catalog of figures and techniques that formed the foundation of the Conservatory's harmony course. By expanding our understanding of practical harmony traditions beyond those of eighteenth-century Italy, Masci contributes to a deeper appreciation of the rich musical heritage of the early Paris Conservatory.

In conclusion, Charles-Simon Catel's Treatise on Harmony and the Disciplining of Harmony at the Early Paris Conservatory offers a valuable insight into the formation of the discipline of harmony and its historical context. Through meticulous research and analysis, Michael J. Masci reconstructs the contours of the disciplinary network that shaped the study of harmony in Paris, highlighting the significant contributions of Catel and his contemporaries. This book not only enhances our understanding of the Conservatory's role in the development of music theory but also contributes to a broader understanding of practical harmony traditions in the early nineteenth century.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 237 x 156 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793630452