Subject
Music -- 20th century -- History and criticism Books
Best books
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.
Carl Van Vechten
Music after the great war, and other studies
"Music After the Great War" by Carl Van Vechten is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. This work explores the evolution of music in the aftermath of World War I, reflecting on various composers and styles, along with the cultural implications of these musical developments. The essays address prominent figures in music history and critique the future directions that art music may take following the war. At the start of the collection, Van Vechten discusses the transformative impact of the Great War on the world of art and music, arguing that traditional forms have become outdated and predicting a shift towards more primitive and disharmonic musical expressions. He provides insights into the thoughts of contemporary figures, like Leo Stein, and critiques the decline of German music while advocating for the potential of Russian and other new compositions. Van Vechten anticipates a post-war musical landscape that reflects the intensity of collective suffering and a movement away from established norms, highlighting composers like Igor Stravinsky as leading figures in this coming musical renaissance.
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.
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