Subject
Music -- History and criticism Books
Best books
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
The Case of Wagner, Nietzsche Contra Wagner, and Selected Aphorisms.
"The Case of Wagner, Nietzsche Contra Wagner, and Selected Aphorisms" by Friedrich Nietzsche is a collection published in 1888. This provocative work marks Nietzsche's dramatic break with composer Richard Wagner, critiquing his music and political entanglements. Nietzsche presents Wagner as a symptom of Europe's broader affliction: nihilism. The philosopher showcases his music criticism while exploring art's relationship to humanity's future. This stands in sharp contrast to Nietzsche's earlier praise of Wagner, revealing an intellectual rupture that consumed his final creative years.
W. J. (Winton James) Baltzell
A Complete History of Music for Schools, Clubs, and Private Reading
"A Complete History of Music" by W. J. Baltzell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides a comprehensive examination of the evolution of music from its ancient roots to contemporary practices, aiming to educate readers about the key developments and figures that have shaped the art form. It is particularly tailored for schools, clubs, and individual study, making it a suitable resource for music enthusiasts and students alike. The opening of the book begins with a preface outlining the pedagogical framework for effectively teaching music history. Baltzell introduces a structured approach combining recitation and lecture methods, emphasizing the importance of understanding the progression of music as an art. He highlights critical principles of music such as melody and harmony, and the role of teaching materials in fostering an appreciation for the craft. Additionally, he notes the significance of studying composers' works in conjunction with their historical contexts, setting the stage for the lessons that will follow in the subsequent chapters. This establishes a foundation for the book’s exploration of various musical traditions and contributions across different cultures and eras.
Rossetter G. (Rossetter Gleason) Cole
The art of music, Vol. 06 (of 14) : $b Choral and church music
"The Art of Music, Vol. 06 (of 14): Choral and Church Music" by Rossetter G. Cole is a comprehensive historical survey and reference work written in the early 20th century. It examines the development of choral and church music from early Christian chant through medieval polyphony, the mass, motet, madrigal, cantata, and oratorio, up to then-contemporary practice, also treating the organ and national traditions. The focus is on musical forms, styles, and trends rather than on biographical portraiture, with analyses and classifications of a wide array of works. The opening of the volume sets its method and scope: Cole’s preface explains the need to condense a vast field, privileging the evolution of forms and styles over personalities, and acknowledging omissions (such as hymnology and some contemporaneous church topics) due to space. Frank Damrosch’s introduction frames choral singing as a communal art rooted in both church liturgy and folk-song, outlines its functions and types, and argues for disciplined leadership, singer training, and civic choruses as cultural assets. The first chapter then sketches early church music: the shift from congregational to clerical chant, the rise of the liturgical-musical alliance, and the codification and teaching of Gregorian chant (with Ambrose’s and Gregory’s roles), including sequences and tropes and their later pruning. It traces technical advances—neumes to staff notation, organum to discant to counterpoint (Hucbald, Guido, Franco)—and shows how secular song (troubadours, trouvères, minnesingers, mastersingers) and early forms like the chanson, frottola, and madrigal emerged alongside, highlighted by the English round “Sumer is icumen in.” The narrative closes by emphasizing how folk impulse and freedom in melody gradually influenced art-music, just as the next chapter turns to the polyphonic Netherland tradition.
Unknown
Famous composers and their works, Vol. 2
"Famous Composers and Their Works, Vol. 2" by Paine, Klauser, and Thomas is a historical musical account written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses specifically on the life and contributions of notable composers, revealing their artistic journeys and significant works, with an emphasis on Franz Joseph Haydn in the initial chapters. The opening of the work dives into the early life of Franz Joseph Haydn, detailing his humble beginnings in Rohrau, Austria, and his family's background. It discusses his early musical development, the influence of his parents, and significant figures like his cousin Johann Mathias Frankh, who recognized Haydn's talent and facilitated his education. As Haydn moves to Vienna at age eight to join the choir of St. Stephen's Cathedral, the introduction highlights his struggles and determination, setting the stage for his remarkable journey in music amidst adversity and the shaping of his future as a composer.
Unknown
Famous composers and their works, Vol. 1
"Famous Composers and Their Works, Vol. 1" by John Knowles Paine, Theodore Thomas, and Karl Klauser is a comprehensive historical account written in the early 20th century. The volume serves as a detailed guide to significant composers from the Netherlands school and beyond, including notable figures such as Orlando di Lasso and Josquin des Prés. It explores their contributions and the evolution of musical art during their times, emphasizing the impact they had on modern music. The opening of the book introduces Orlando di Lasso, highlighting his remarkable upbringing in Mons and the trajectory of his career, which led him to become a leading figure in the Netherlands school of composition. It details Lasso's education, early performances, and eventual rise to prominence as chapel-master in Munich, where he produced many influential works. The text outlines Lasso's prolific nature, technical innovations, and artistic relationships, setting the stage for the exploration of his music and legacy in subsequent sections of the volume.
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The art of music, Vol. 03 (of 14) : $b Modern music
"The Art of Music: Volume Three" is a historical account edited by Edward Burlingame Hill, written in the early 20th century. This volume is part of a comprehensive series that explores the development of music, focusing specifically on the modern period. It discusses key figures such as Berlioz, Chopin, and Wagner, examining their influence and the evolution of various musical styles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The opening of this volume lays the groundwork for an in-depth exploration of modern music, emphasizing the significance of transformational composers like Wagner and Liszt. It highlights the transition from the romantic movement, tracing how their innovations shaped the direction of contemporary classical music. The text also introduces notable composers representing various nationalistic styles, discussing their contributions to the orchestral, operatic, and chamber music landscapes.
Unknown
Famous composers and their works, Vol. 3
"Famous Composers and their Works, Vol. 3" edited by John Knowles Paine, Theodore Thomas, and Karl Klauser is a collection of biographical sketches focusing on notable composers and their music, written in the late 19th century. This volume delves into the lives and contributions of significant composers, providing insights into their artistic journeys and notable compositions. The book likely aims to celebrate the composers' legacies while educating readers about their works. The opening of the volume introduces Joseph Joachim Raff, detailing his early life, education, and struggles before he ultimately finds success in music. It recounts how Raff, despite a lack of formal training and financial challenges, pursued his passion for composition, gaining recognition through the support of established composers like Mendelssohn and Liszt. The narrative highlights key moments in Raff’s career, such as his significant works and collaborations, and sets the stage for a deeper exploration of his musical contributions throughout the rest of the book.
Marion Bauer
How music grew, from prehistoric times to the present day
"How Music Grew from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day" by Marion Bauer and Ethel Peyser is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the evolution of music, tracing its development from prehistoric times through various cultures and eras up to the contemporary period. It aims to provide an engaging and accessible introduction to the origins and growth of music across civilizations, making it suitable for readers of all ages. The opening of the book establishes a foundational understanding of music's birth, illustrating a time when early humans lacked language, formal structures, and civilization as we know it. It emphasizes the connection between music, dance, and the daily experiences of prehistoric peoples, suggesting that their initial expressions of music emerged as ritualistic acts to communicate with deities and convey emotions. The authors introduce the concept that movement and sound were essential to early music-making, setting the stage for further exploration of how these primitive practices evolved into the intricate musical systems of later cultures worldwide.
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The art of music, Vol. 04 (of 14) : $b Music in America
"The Art of Music, Vol. 04 (of 14): Music in America" by Daniel Gregory Mason et al. is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume explores the evolution of music within the United States, dissecting its cultural heritage, influences, and development from past traditions, particularly European, to its distinct identity as it grows within the context of American democracy. The opening of the work presents a compelling perspective on the state of music in America, emphasizing the importance of understanding the past to appreciate the future of American music. It introduces key themes such as the struggle between appreciation of imported European traditions and the quest for a distinctive American sound influenced by diverse musical cultures, including indigenous music. The author conveys a sense of chaotic transition in the musical landscape, noting that while America has absorbed many influences, the nation's creative musical expression is just beginning to emerge, pointing towards a vibrant and dynamic future shaped by its diverse populace.
Carl Engel
Musical Myths and Facts, Volume 2 (of 2)
"Musical Myths and Facts, Volume 2" by Carl Engel is a collection of essays and anecdotes related to music, composed in the late 19th century. This volume dives into various musical traditions, myths, and historical accounts, focusing particularly on notable composers like Handel and the tales surrounding music's mystical and supernatural elements. The opening of the book primarily presents a detailed exploration of the early life and career of the eminent composer George Frederick Handel, specifically through the lens of Johann Mattheson, a contemporary musician who documented their interactions in Hamburg. Engel recounts Mattheson's observations with a critical eye, revealing his jealousy and the richness of Handel's journey from a law student to a successful composer. The text examines key moments, such as Handel's struggles and rivalries, set against the backdrop of their musical achievements and the dynamics of their friendship, making it clear that Engel intends to untangle fact from fiction in the realm of musical history.
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The art of music, Vol. 07 (of 14) : $b Pianoforte and chamber music
"The Art of Music, Volume 07 (of 14), Pianoforte and Chamber Music" by Daniel Gregory Mason is a comprehensive collection of information dedicated to music lovers and musicians, written in the early 20th century. This volume in particular focuses on the history, development, and intricacies of pianoforte and chamber music, detailing how great composers have adapted their techniques to this beloved instrument. The text likely serves as both an educational resource and a reflective exploration of the evolving art of music. The opening of this volume begins with the transcriber's notes explaining the formatting for the text, including how musical examples are represented in different formats. Following this is a preface that sets the stage for the content, with the editor stating that while a detailed history is not the aim, the chapters will reflect the contributions of masters to the art of pianoforte and chamber music through the ages. A particular emphasis is placed on composers like Beethoven and Chopin, and how they innovatively utilized the pianoforte and chamber formats to express a range of emotions and complexities in their work. The introduction further discusses chamber music's essence, highlighting its intimacy and the skill required for performance, marking it as a divine form of musical expression distinct from larger orchestral compositions.
Edward MacDowell
Critical and Historical Essays Lectures delivered at Columbia University
"Critical and Historical Essays" by Edward MacDowell is a collection of scholarly essays on music written in the early 20th century. The work encompasses MacDowell's lectures delivered at Columbia University, delving into various historical and aesthetic aspects of music, reflecting his unique perspective as a composer and educator. This collection aims to educate readers on the evolution and significance of music through multiple cultural lenses, covering subjects from its origins to the connection between music and emotion. The opening of the collection introduces Edward MacDowell's work as an educator, outlining his establishment of a music chair at Columbia University in 1896. It highlights his vision for music education, emphasizing both technical mastery and an appreciation for music's historical context. In this segment, the text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of music's origins, starting with a discussion on the initial emotional expressions that would eventually lead to the development of musical systems. MacDowell intends to illustrate the profound role of music in human culture and civilization, linking its evolution to the emotional and social developments of mankind.
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