Authenticity and Early Music: A Symposium - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198161522 ISBN 13: 9780198161523

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1989

Synopsis

Nothing has more profoundly influenced the development of music making over the last two decades than the growth of the historical performance movement. Perceived by some as a threat, an indication of our loss of faith in our powers of musical creation, and by others as part of the evolution of modern attitudes towards performing styles, this trend towards "historically correct" interpretation has inspired lively debate among scholars and performers. Examining and questioning the prevailing basis for the so-called "authenticity" movement, this collection of papers deals with the conflict between approaching early music performance with respect for the composer's original intentions, and the shortcomings, according to many musicians, that this produces. The contributors include Will Crutchfield, Howard Mayer Brown, Robert Morgan, Philip Brett, and Richard Taruskin.

About this title

Reviews

Owing to the broad and thoughtful approach taken by the six authors, this book offers far more than is suggested by its title. It considers music from the Middle Ages to the present, touching on some of the most essential questions of performance and appreciation of music from any age: the levels of meaning in music; composers and their intentions; and the freedom and responsibilities of the performer. Provocative, stimulating, and well written, these essays should make intelligent listeners rethink their criteria for choosing and appreciating performers and performances. Timothy J. McGee, Univ. of Toronto
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198161522
• ISBN 13: 9780198161523
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 234
• Editor: Kenyon Nicholas