Schenker's name did not appear on the original edition of the work – the author was listed simply as "an artist".
Schenker makes a careful distinction between the theories of harmony (which for Schenker is concerned with relations among scale-steps) and counterpoint (which deals only with voice leading); he argues that other theorists have confusingly mixed these two concepts.
Schenker also strongly hints about the ways in which large spans of music can be understood as elaborations of simple structures; this idea is perhaps the most characteristic feature of his mature theory.
Finally, he discusses the relationship between music and Nature, which would also be a recurring theme throughout his career.
He would repeat this procedure in his later writings, often adding virulent commentary about the social and political situation of early 20th century Europe.