Exploring the essence of vocality, the book delves into the songs of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, offering a comprehensive analysis of how voice shapes musical expression. Jonathan Dunsby examines various elements of vocal performance and its impact on the interpretation of songs, highlighting the evolution of vocal techniques and styles over time. Through this discussion, the work provides insights into the cultural and artistic significance of vocality in music history.
Pierrot Lunaire (1912) is one of the most important music theatre works ever written. This is the first guide in English to a work which continues to be performed, broadcast and recorded worldwide. The book describes the artistic environment around the turn of the century from which Pierrot emerged and discusses Schoenberg's working methods and intentions in its composition. The composer's artistic development up to 1912 is contemplated as a backdrop to this extraordinarily original creative act, and the significance of Pierrot in the unfolding of twentieth-century music is a recurrent topic of the text. In a clear and imaginative description of the work itself, the author takes each of the 21 melodramas in turn, considering both the music and the narrative. The text of all 21 poems is provided in German and in a new English translation by Andrew Porter.
Exploring the nuances of music-making, this book delves into performance studies, addressing themes such as anxiety, artistry, and the interplay between Romanticism and Modernism. Written in accessible language, it aims to enlighten readers about the inner thoughts and feelings of performers, revealing the complexities and mysteries of the performance experience. By examining both the challenges and potential for growth within music performance, it presents a compelling narrative that engages both musicians and the general public in understanding this art form.