Theory of Harmony.

8vo (145 x 210 mm). XVIII, (2), 336 pp. Inscribed on title-page. In illustrated dust jacket. With a lengthy and warm inscription by the Austrian-American composer Arnold Schoenberg: the first English-language edition of his foundational treatise on music theory, and the work from which his important dodecaphonic (twelve-tone) system derived. To Mr and Mrs John Nef, Schoenberg writes on the title-page: "Finally, a few months ago, this book has come out. Ever since then, I wanted to send you a copy and ask whether you received the record with my thanks to the Academy of Arts. Now I send it with our most cordial wishes for Christmas and New Year. Yours, Arnold Schoenberg". - Schoenberg (1874-1951) was at the heart of musical experimentation and philosophy in the first half of the 20th century, a prominent member of the Second Viennese School and a member of the Prussian Academy of Arts, until he fled Nazi persecution to teach in America, where his legacy is still felt in music schools to this day. A unique copy of this key work from a pioneer of 20th century music theory. - Touch of wear to jacket; in excellent condition. - Mr and Mrs John Nef, ca. 1948.