The sounds of poetry viewed as music / Fred Lerdahl.
| Author/creator | Lerdahl, Fred, 1943- author. |
| Format | Book |
| Publication | New York : Columbia University Press, [2026] |
| Copyright Date | ©2026 |
| Description | ix, 184 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm. |
| Subjects |
| Series | Leonard Hastings Schoff memorial lectures University seminars/Leonard Hastings Schoff memorial lectures. |
| Contents | Preface -- Prelude -- Prosodic rhythm -- Historical approaches to prosodic rhythm -- Generative approaches to prosodic rhythm -- Contour -- Transcriptions and analyses -- Sound color -- Coda -- Appendix A: Cited poems -- Appendix B: Metrical grids and time signatures -- Appendix C: Rule index -- Appendix D: Links to recordings -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index. |
| Abstract | "Fred Lerdahl gave the Schoff Lecture in 2018 and at long last has delivered a full book manuscript based on his lectures. The book focuses on only one of the three lectures: an in-depth study of the musical treatment of the sounds of poetry. It develops a musically conceived, rule-based theory of poetic rhythm, contour, and sound color. Lerdahl's strategy throughout the book is to present components of the theory before discussing related approaches in literary studies or linguistics. After a short initial chapter introducing basic features of musical rhythm, the second chapter presents a model of poetic rhythm. Chapter 3 relates the model to traditional poetic scansion, and chapter 4 discusses relevant research on prosodic rhythm in generative phonology. Chapter 5 advances a model of intonational contour for poetic lines and then considers related work in intonational phonology. Chapter 6 compares predictions of the theory to transcriptions of aural readings by poets and actors. Chapter 7 proffers a hierarchical model of syllabic sound color and reviews its connection to work in music theory. The final chapter briefly summarizes the architecture of the overall theory and suggests future avenues to explore."-- Provided by publisher. |
| Abstract | "Poets, literary critics, and lovers of poetry often speak of the “music of poetry.” The Sounds of Poetry Viewed as Music gives substance to the metaphor by building on recent research in linguistics and music theory to propose a theory of the sounds of poetry conceived in musical terms. A deeply interdisciplinary project, this book will engage readers of poetry, literary scholars, musicians, philosophers, and cognitive scientists interested in the intersection of the musical and linguistic capacities."-- Page 4 of cover. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Issued in other form | ebook version : 9780231563604 |
| LCCN | 2025021254 |
| ISBN | 9780231221184 |
| ISBN | 0231221185 hardcover |
| ISBN | 9780231221191 trade paperback |
| ISBN | 0231221193 trade paperback |
| ISBN | electronic book |
| Standard identifier# | CIPO000304049 |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Order for Joyner Library | Unavailable | Place Hold |