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Composers Books
Best books
David Ewen
The Lighter Classics in Music A Comprehensive Guide to Musical Masterworks in a Lighter Vein by 187 Composers
"The Lighter Classics in Music" by David Ewen is a comprehensive guide to notable musical works characterized by their lighter themes, written in the early 1960s. This collection features an exploration of compositions by 187 different composers, spanning various genres and styles, aiming to make classical music more accessible and enjoyable. The book likely touches on the significance of these compositions and composers in the context of musical history, highlighting their contributions to lighter orchestral and vocal music. The opening of this work introduces several notable composers, beginning with Joseph Achron, who is known for his evocative "Hebrew Melody." This is followed by descriptions of other composers, such as Adolphe-Charles Adam, celebrated for his opéra-comique, and Richard Addinsell, famed for the melodious "Warsaw Concerto." Each segment provides insights into the lives and notable works of these composers, illustrating their impact and the enduring popularity of their lighter compositions in concert repertoires. The text also references the origins and themes of specific pieces, establishing a foundation for the exploration of lighter classical music throughout the remainder of the guide.
Elbert Hubbard
Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 14 Little Journeys to the Homes of Great Musicians
"Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 14" by Elbert Hubbard is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume is a collection of biographical sketches that profiles notable composers, including Richard Wagner, Niccolo Paganini, and Frédéric Chopin, among others. The text aims to explore the lives and influences of these musical greats, offering an insightful look into their backgrounds, struggles, and artistic legacies. The opening of the book introduces Richard Wagner through a blend of narrative and exposition, detailing his upbringing and the difficult circumstances surrounding his family life. It discusses the influence of his mother and stepfather, Ludwig Geyer, who nurtured Wagner's early interests in music and literature. Through engaging anecdotes, the text conveys Wagner's evolution from a hesitant boy into a determined artist who defied societal norms. The narrative sets the stage for understanding how Wagner's personal experiences, including his tumultuous marriage and struggles for recognition, shaped his artistic expressions, which would ultimately resonate deeply with audiences around the world.
George T. (George Titus) Ferris
Great Musical Composers: German, French, and Italian
"Great Musical Composers: German, French, and Italian" by George T. Ferris is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work provides biographical sketches of prominent composers from these three nationalities, tracing the evolution of their music and the impact they had on the art form. Ferris aims to make the lives of these musical geniuses accessible to a broader audience, appealing not just to scholars but also to music enthusiasts and the general public. The opening of the text introduces the book's purpose and structure, which includes a focus on significant figures like Bach, Handel, and Gluck. It highlights the historical context of music's development through the Renaissance and into the modern era, illustrating how these composers contributed to shaping musical forms such as opera and oratorio. In addition, the text acknowledges influences from other artistic movements and discusses the rivalry among composers, paving the way for an exploration of their individual achievements in subsequent chapters.
Romain Rolland
Musiciens d'autrefois
"Musiciens d'autrefois" by Romain Rolland is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the history and significance of music, particularly focusing on opera and its evolution throughout different eras. The text is likely to appeal to those interested in music history, arts, and cultural analysis. At the start of "Musiciens d'autrefois," the author introduces the pivotal role music plays in the broader tapestry of history and culture. Rolland emphasizes the often-overlooked depth of musical history, positioning music as a vital expression of the human spirit that reflects societal values, emotions, and transformations. He critiques the historical narrative that has sidelined music in favor of more tangible arts, while establishing a connection between music and other art forms, highlighting how they influence one another. Rolland's examination urges readers to appreciate the intricate relationships between music, literature, and societal changes, setting the stage for a more thorough exploration of opera and its predecessors in subsequent chapters.
Paul Rosenfeld
Musical Portraits : Interpretations of Twenty Modern Composers
"Musical Portraits: Interpretations of Twenty Modern Composers" by Paul Rosenfeld is a critical exploration of the works and influences of notable composers written in the early 20th century. This book delves into the lives and musical contributions of composers such as Wagner and Strauss, offering insights into their stylistic developments and cultural significance in the context of their times. The focus is primarily on modern composers, examining how their musical narratives reflect broader social and historical themes. At the start of the work, Rosenfeld introduces Wagner, discussing his music as representative of the 19th century and the complex emotions it evokes—from triumph and grandeur to deep-seated longing and homesickness. He illustrates Wagner's profound impact on music worldwide, exploring themes of materialism and emotional yearning, while acknowledging the musical techniques that paved the way for future compositions. The opening sets a tone of deep analysis and appreciation for the composers, indicating the author's aim to articulate the nuances and legacies of these pivotal figures in music history.
Daniel Gregory Mason
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.
Francis Jameson Rowbotham
Story-Lives of Great Musicians
"Story-Lives of Great Musicians" by Francis Jameson Rowbotham is a collection of biographical sketches aimed at young readers, likely written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the lives of famous composers, such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frederick Handel, intertwining factual stories with narrative elements to engage and inform its audience about their struggles, aspirations, and the historical context in which they created their masterpieces. The opening of the work introduces the early life of Johann Sebastian Bach, highlighting the significant influence of his family and his passion for music from a young age. It describes Bach's challenging childhood following the loss of his parents, his eagerness to learn despite the discouraging approach of his elder brother Christoph, and his determination to study advanced music despite obstacles. The narrative sets the stage for Bach's enduring relationship with music, showcasing his resilience as he secretly practices late into the night, illustrating his unyielding quest for knowledge and skill. This sets a compelling tone for the exploration of the lives of great musicians that the rest of the book promises to unfold.
Adolphe Adam
Derniers souvenirs d'un musicien
"Derniers souvenirs d'un musicien" by Adolphe Adam is a fictional narrative likely written in the late 19th century. The book tells the story of Joseph Haydn, the celebrated composer, tracing his humble beginnings and his journey through the challenges of life as a musician. The opening of the book introduces us to Mathias Haydn, a poor cartwright in a small village near Vienna, who takes joy in the simple life and his love for music. Noticing his son Joseph's innate musical talent, Mathias encourages Joseph to pursue music. As Joseph grows, he is invited by a stranger, Reutter, to come to Vienna to study music, promising a brighter future. Despite the excitement, Joseph's mother is reluctant to let him go, showcasing the emotional conflict between parental duties and the aspirations for a child’s success. Ultimately, the text sets the stage for Joseph's transformation from a village boy to a budding musician while highlighting the struggles faced along the way.
Carl Van Vechten
Music and bad manners
"Music and Bad Manners" by Carl Van Vechten is a collection of essays on music and musical culture, written in the early 20th century. The book explores the intersection of music and social behavior, delving into anecdotes, critical commentary, and historical reflections. Its likely central focus is on the quirks, controversies, and evolving practices within the world of Western music as observed around the turn of that century. Readers can expect lively accounts of musicians, audiences, performance etiquette, and cultural phenomena related to music, presented with wit and insight rather than as a systematic treatise. The opening of "Music and Bad Manners" sets a conversational and anecdotal tone, beginning with a witty assertion that musicians, singers, and even audiences are famously ill-mannered. The author recounts stories, both historical and modern, about musicians’ eccentricities and the unruly behavior of concertgoers, highlighting incidents ranging from on-stage outbursts to composers poking fun at musical conventions. This section also contains reflections on the changing nature of audience responses and the bravura—and sometimes obstinacy—of performers, illustrated with colorful examples from the opera and concert stage. Subsequent essays transition into topics like the lack of original music for early cinema, the influence of Spanish music, and the difficulties in defining national musical identity, all showcased with engaging storytelling and a critical, amused perspective.
Henry T. Finck
The Mentor: Famous Composers, Vol. 1, Num. 41, Serial No. 41
"The Mentor: Famous Composers, Vol. 1, Num. 41, Serial No. 41" by Henry T. Finck is a biographical compilation that delves into the lives and contributions of several influential composers from the Romantic period, likely written in the early 20th century. The book profiles notable figures such as Frédéric Chopin, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartoldy, Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, and Johannes Brahms, highlighting their unique musical styles and historical significance. In this edition of "The Mentor," Finck provides a concise yet rich overview of each composer, exploring their backgrounds, major works, and the emotional and cultural contexts surrounding their music. For example, Chopin's Polish roots and distinctive piano technique are celebrated, while Mendelssohn's early success and contributions to choral music are noted. The author emphasizes the emotional depth and originality of each composer's work, illustrating how they shaped the landscape of classical music. Through vivid anecdotes and critical analysis, Finck encourages a deeper appreciation for these masters of music, showing how their lives and artistry resonate even today.
George T. (George Titus) Ferris
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of George T. Ferris
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of George T. Ferris" by George T. Ferris is a comprehensive index and compilation of significant musical works and biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. This book serves as a catalog of notable composers, violinists, pianists, and singers, reflecting on their contributions to music and culture during this period. It likely seeks to encapsulate the evolution and impact of various musical figures from different traditions, particularly focusing on German, Italian, and French composers. The content is organized into several sections, each dedicated to specific groups of musicians, including the Great German Composers and Great Italian and French Composers, alongside sections that highlight renowned violinists, pianists, and singers. The indexed entries often include key details about each artist's life, their significant works, and their contributions to the music world. This structured approach aids readers in exploring the rich tapestry of musical history and its influential figures, providing insights into the legacies left behind by these great talents.
Henry Edward Krehbiel
The Mentor: Makers of Modern Opera, Vol. 1, Num. 47, Serial No. 47
"The Mentor: Makers of Modern Opera, Vol. 1, Num. 47, Serial No. 47" by H. E. Krehbiel is a historical account of influential figures in the development of modern opera, written in the early 20th century. The book explores the contributions of various composers, notably Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, Giacomo Puccini, and Charles Gounod, detailing their artistic evolution and the impact of their works on the operatic landscape. This engaging overview highlights the transition from traditional operatic forms to more innovative and expressive styles that characterized the modern opera movement. In the text, Krehbiel delves into the lives and careers of these distinguished composers, providing a window into their creative processes and the musical contexts in which they worked. Verdi is portrayed as the master of Italian opera whose melodic genius transformed the genre, while Wagner is recognized for his revolutionary ideas that reshaped the operatic narrative. Puccini follows as a torchbearer of Italian songwriting with his stirring and emotionally charged operas like "La Bohème" and "Madame Butterfly." Gounod’s works are celebrated for their lyrical charm, particularly "Faust." The book captures the essence of how these artists forged new paths in opera, each contributing distinct styles and techniques that resonate in contemporary music, leaving an indelible mark on the art form.
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