Britten and Barber: Their Lives and Their Music (Parallel Lives) (Amadeus) - Softcover

Daniel Felsenfeld

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1574671081 ISBN 13: 9781574671087

Publisher: Amadeus (UK), 2005

Synopsis

The second title in the Amadeus Press Parallel Lives series, this volume examines the lives and work of two giants of 20th century music. Both composers influenced countless others, and their works are performed often in todays concert and opera houses. Felsenfeld gives us a penetrating look into the lives of these two extraordinary men, helping us get to know them and therefore better understand their music. In clear, concise language he examines their major works, helping us to understand their genius and power, which is illustrated by the accompanying audio available online.



The author points out parallel developments in Britten and Barbers lives and careers. Both came of age in a time of war, a time of political and artistic unrest and upheaval, and both were celebrities in their own time. Both wrote primarily – and most successfully – for the voice, but neither became ghettoized as a strictly vocal composer, and both were possessed of a flawless compositional technique, with a fluency that bordered on wizardry. Finally, both were prolific, involved musical presences on the world stage.



The book includes a link to online audio of a full-length CD from Naxos Records with six complete pieces.

About this title

Product Description

Rare Book

Synopsis

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) English composer, whose works include "Peter Grimes", "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra", "Billy Budd", and "Death in Venice". Samuel Barber (1910-1981) American composer, whose works include "Adagio for Strings", "Vanessa", "Antony and Cleopatra", and "The Lovers". In clear, concise language - supported by a free music CD - Felsenfeld examines the major works of these two giants of modern music, helping us to understand their genius and better appreciate their music. The author points out parallel developments in Britten and Barber's lives and careers: Both came of age in a time of war, a time of political and artistic unrest and upheaval, and both were celebrities in their own time; Both wrote music that was steeped in high romantic traditions, but could be astringent and spiky; Both wrote primarily - and most successfully - for the voice, but neither became ghettoized as a strictly vocal composer; Both were possessed of a flawless compositional technique, with a fluency that bordered on wizardry. Finally, both were prolific, involved musical presences on the world stage

Edition details

• Publisher: Amadeus (UK)
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1574671081
• ISBN 13: 9781574671087
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 194