Author
Daniel Gregory Mason
1873-1953
Daniel Gregory Mason (1873-1953) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Daniel Gregory Mason
The Romantic Composers
"The Romantic Composers" by Daniel Gregory Mason is a comprehensive study of music written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on notable composers from the Romantic Period, beginning with Franz Schubert and continuing through Schumann, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Berlioz, and Liszt, exploring their contributions to music and the unique characteristics of their compositions. This work aims to illuminate how each composer's personal character influenced their musical output while discussing the broader developments in musical style during this pivotal era. The opening of Mason's study serves as an introduction to Romanticism in music, discussing its significance as a departure from the classical traditions that preceded it. He explains how composers like Schubert and Schumann began to place greater emphasis on individual expression and emotional depth in their music, contrasting it with the more structured and impersonal qualities of classicism. Mason emphasizes the evolution of musical language during this time, as composers sought innovative methods to convey deeply felt emotions, marking the beginning of a new artistic framework that would redefine music comprehension and appreciation. The reader is invited on a journey through the philosophical underpinnings of Romantic music, highlighting how these thematic shifts reflect the personal and societal transformations of the era.
Contemporary Composers
"Contemporary Composers" by Daniel Gregory Mason is a critical examination of composers from the late 19th to early 20th century, likely written in the early 20th century. The book explores the impact of evolving social conditions on music, focusing on composers like Richard Strauss, Sir Edward Elgar, and Claude Debussy. Mason argues that many modern tendencies in music are a departure from the emotional depth valued in earlier works. At the start of the work, the author contemplates the connections between contemporary music and the broader social changes of the time, suggesting that the democratization of music has resulted in a divide between refined artistic standards and public taste. He reflects on how the patronage system has shifted, leading to a blend of higher and lower musical expressions and explores the implications of this shift for the future of music, emphasizing a need to return to deeper emotional and artistic expressions. This opening sets the tone for a thoughtful critique of modern musical practices against the backdrop of tradition and emotional integrity.
Beethoven and His Forerunners
"Beethoven and His Forerunners" by Daniel Gregory Mason is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work explores the evolution of music leading up to Beethoven, examining significant figures and stylistic developments that shaped the musical landscape of his time. The book delves into musical history through various periods, offering insights into how earlier composers laid the groundwork for Beethoven's unique contributions to music. At the start of the text, Mason introduces the concept of musical evolution in the context of historical understanding, emphasizing the shift from a fragmented perception of events to a more connected, evolutionary view. He outlines the principles underlying the development of music, specifically focusing on how music progresses through various phases—from the primitive and simple to more sophisticated forms—highlighting the significance of composers like Palestrina, Bach, and ultimately Beethoven. This opening portion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Beethoven's artistic legacy, contextualizing his work within the broader evolutionary narrative of western music.
From Grieg to Brahms: Studies of Some Modern Composers and Their Art
"From Grieg to Brahms: Studies of Some Modern Composers and Their Art" by Daniel Gregory Mason is a scholarly work written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the lives and contributions of notable modern composers, particularly focusing on their artistic expressions and the evolution of music as an art form. The author aims to provide readers with insights into how the personalities of these musicians influence their compositions and place them within the broader context of music history. At the start of the book, Mason introduces the fundamental principles of music appreciation, emphasizing the significance of understanding both individual composers' contributions and the musical heritage they inherit. He outlines the need to recognize how modern composers like Edvard Grieg and Johannes Brahms connect to the broader musical landscape. Mason presents music as an evolving expression of human emotion shaped by historical context, technical resources, and individual artistic personalities. The introduction sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the selected composers and their works, highlighting the interdependence of personal expression and the technical evolution of music throughout history.