A History of the Symphony: The Grand Genre Contributor(s): Langford, Jeffrey (Author) |
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ISBN: 0815357052 ISBN-13: 9780815357056 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $60.79 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: November 2019 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Music | Musical Instruments - General |
Dewey: 784.184 |
LCCN: 2019025759 |
Physical Information: 0.7" H x 6.8" W x 9.9" (0.95 lbs) 262 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: A History of the Symphony: The Grand Genre identifies the underlying cultural factors that have shaped the symphony over the past three hundred years, presenting a unified view of the entire history of the genre. The text goes beyond discussions of individual composers and the stylistic evolution of the genre to address what constitutes a symphony within each historical period, describing how such works fit into the lives of composers and audiences of the time, recognizing that they do not exist in a vacuum but rather as the products of numerous external forces spurring their creation. In three parts, the text proceeds chronologically, drawing connections between musical examples across regions and eras:
Within this broad chronology-from the earliest Italian symphonies of the 18th century to the most experimental works of the 20th century-discussion of the development of the genre often breaks down along national lines that outline divergent but parallel paths of stylistic growth. In consideration of what is and is not a symphony, musical developments in other genres are presented as they relate to the symphony, genres such as the serenade, the tone poem, and the concert overture. Suitable for a one-semester course as well as a full-year syllabus, and with illustrative musical examples throughout, A History of the Symphony places composers and works in sociological and musical contexts while confronting the fundamental question: What is a symphony? |