The section on harmony is comprehensive, covering the basics of chord progressions, voice leading, and harmonic function. Fulgoni discusses the different types of chords, including major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords, as well as more complex chords such as seventh chords and ninth chords.
Giovanni Fulgoni, an Italian music theorist and composer, wrote "Manuale di Teoria Musicale" in the late 19th century, a period marked by significant changes in music and music education. During this time, the traditional theoretical frameworks of music were being challenged by the emergence of new musical styles and forms, such as Romanticism and Impressionism. Fulgoni's manual was designed to provide a comprehensive and systematic approach to music theory, drawing on the classical traditions of Italian music while also incorporating modern developments.
The section on melody covers the principles of melodic construction, including the use of scales, modes, and motivic development. Fulgoni also discusses the various types of melodic motion, such as stepwise motion and leapwise motion.
Another key concept is the notion of "proporzione," or proportion. Fulgoni uses this term to describe the relationships between different rhythmic and melodic elements, such as the proportion of strong to weak beats or the proportion of melodic motifs.
One of the most significant aspects of Fulgoni's manual is its emphasis on the importance of ear training and musical practice. Fulgoni argues that music theory should be learned through practical experience, rather than simply through theoretical study.
Giovanni Fulgoni was born in 1826 in Rome, Italy. He studied music at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome, where he later taught music theory and composition. Fulgoni was a prolific composer, writing numerous works for solo piano, chamber ensembles, and chorus. He died in 1881, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important music theorists of his time.
Several key concepts underpin Fulgoni's approach to music theory. One of the most important is the idea of "partimenti," or the division of a musical phrase into smaller units. Fulgoni argues that partimenti are essential for understanding musical structure and for developing a sense of musical coherence.