Felix Salzer

Felix Salzer (June 13, 1904–August 12, 1986) was an Austrian-American music theorist, musicologist and pedagogue. He was one of the principal followers of Heinrich Schenker, and did much to refine and explain Schenkerian analysis after Schenker's death.

Related Topics:
June 13 - 1904 - August 12 - 1986 - Austrian - American - Music theorist - Musicologist - Heinrich Schenker - Schenkerian analysis

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He was born in Vienna, and studied musicology with Guido Adler at the University of Vienna, finishing his Ph.D. in 1926 with a dissertation on sonata form in the works of Franz Schubert. At the same time he studied music theory and analysis with Heinrich Schenker and Hans Weisse. In 1939 Salzer emigrated to the United States, and became a citizen in 1945. While in the US he taught at several schools, including the Mannes College of Music, and Queens College of the City University of New York.

Related Topics:
Vienna - Guido Adler - University of Vienna - 1926 - Sonata form - Franz Schubert - 1939 - 1945 - Mannes College of Music - City University of New York

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His contributions to Schenkerian theory were two-fold: first, he brought Schenker's ideas to the attention of American music theorists and musicologists, and second, he applied the analytical technique to music outside of the common-practice era music in which Schenker had exclusively worked, particularly to the music of the Renaissance, the Middle Ages, and to some music of the 20th century. Later theorists applied Schenkerian techniques to popular music as well.

Related Topics:
Renaissance - Middle Ages - Popular music

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Some of the specific refinements Salzer made to Schenkerian theory involve aspects of voice leading, and the differentiation of chords into structural versus contrapuntal categories.

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Salzer's works include Structural Hearing (1952 and 1962), Counterpoint in Composition: The Study of Voice Leading (with Carl Schachter, 1969), and the periodical The Music Forum (initiated 1967).

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