Hugo 1849-1919 Riemann

About the Author

Hugo Riemann (1849-1919) was a pioneering German music theorist, composer, and historian whose groundbreaking contributions to musicology reshaped the understanding of harmony, form, and historical development in Western music. Born in Grossmehlra, Thuringia, he studied law and music before dedicating his life to academia, teaching at institutions like the University of Leipzig and authoring over a hundred books and articles that introduced innovative concepts such as functional harmony and dualistic tonal theory. Riemann's analytical approach emphasized the psychological and structural aspects of music, influencing generations of scholars and musicians. His monumental work, Analysis of J.S. Bach's Wohltemperirtes Clavier (48 Preludes & Fugues); v. 2, exemplifies his meticulous dissection of Baroque masterpieces, offering profound insights into Bach's contrapuntal genius and the tempered scale's implications for composition.