This text provides the first comprehensive examination of pictographic notation. Pictographic musical notation represents the relevant instruments themselves rendered visually rather than verbally. Used most extensively in contemporary publications between the 1950s and 1980s, its popularity has waned in recent years. This expertly researched work displays the resourcefulness and inventiveness of 20th century orchestrators. Providing a detailed examination of pictographic score notation, this unique book passes over 60 years of contemporary composition and score publications. Divided into three sections, this work describes instrumental pictographs, stage diagrams, and pictographic performance directives. In addition to the thoroughly researched information and extensive technique illustrations, commentary on individual examples and frequent cross-referencing of related examples, differentiate this work from other journal articles and notation texts.

An illustrative and evaluative look at the pictographic diagrams of 20th century composers.

About the Author
GARDNER READ is Professor Emeritus and was Composer-in-Residence at the School of Music, Boston University. A respected expert in the field of music notation, he has written numerous books and articles on composition theory, including the Compendium of Modern Instrumental Techniques (Greenwood, 1993), which received the Choice Outstanding Academic Book Award in 1994.


Book Information
ISBN 9780313304699
Author Gardner Read
Format Hardback
Page Count 296
Imprint Greenwood Press
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Weight(grams) 624g