Aging and creativity can seem a particularly fraught relationship for artists, who often face age-related difficulties as their audience’s expectations are at a peak. In Four Last Songs, Linda and Michael Hutcheon explore this issue via the late works of some of the world’s greatest composers.
Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901), Richard Strauss (1864–1949), Olivier Messiaen (1908–92), and Benjamin Britten (1913–76) all wrote operas late in life, pieces that reveal unique responses to the challenges of growing older. Verdi’s Falstaff, his only comedic success, combated Richard Wagner’s influence by introducing young Italian composers to a new model of national music. Strauss, on the other hand, struggling with personal and political problems in Nazi Germany, composed the self-reflexive Capriccio, a “life review” of opera and his own legacy. Though it exhausted him physically and emotionally, Messiaen at the age of seventy-five finished his only opera, Saint François d’Assise, which marked the pinnacle of his career. Britten, meanwhile, suffering from heart problems, refused surgery until he had completed his masterpiece, Death in Venice. For all four composers, age, far from sapping their creative power, provided impetus for some of their best accomplishments.
With its deft treatment of these composers’ final years and works, Four Last Songs provides a valuable look at the challenges—and opportunities—that present themselves as artists grow older.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: new. This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # 9780226420684
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780226420684
Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. Seller Inventory # 022642068X-2-1
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Seller Inventory # 353-022642068X-new
Book Description PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # FW-9780226420684
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # ABLIING23Feb2215580061667
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 359621ae9e0f6fad1d9e6ac41942f5de
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780226420684_new
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. reprint edition. 176 pages. 9.00x6.00x0.90 inches. In Stock. This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # __022642068X
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Seller Inventory # B9780226420684