In addition, The Tone Clock contains a broad selection of Peter Schat's polemical writings, embracing historical, political, aesthetic and environmental perspectives. His book is not just of interest to composers, but it also provides a valuable insight for anyone interested in the development of twentieth-century music.

Peter Schat, a former pupil of Pierre Boulez, exposes more than a new theory of music in The Tone Clock. Although he is a long-experienced serialist composer, in devising and using his tone clock system he has reached the clarity and simplicity which comprise two of his major compositional aims. His book, profusely illustrated with clearly analysed musical examples, will enable other composers to achieve similar aims in their own way, while remaining faithful to their own musical personalities.

A former pupil of Pierre Boulez, Peter Schat is a well-known Dutch contemporary serialist composer.