The Cambridge History of Nineteenth-Century Music: (The Cambridge History of Music)

This comprehensive overview of music in the nineteenth century draws on the most recent scholarship in the field. It avoids mere repertory surveys, focusing instead on issues which illuminate the subject in novel and interesting ways. The book is divided into two parts (1800–1850 and 1850–1900), each of which approaches the major repertory of the period by way of essays investigating the intellectual and socio-political history of the time. The music itself is discussed in five central chapters within each part, amplified by essays on topics such as popular culture, nationalism, genius, and the emergent concept of an avant-garde. The book concludes with an examination of musical styles and languages around the turn of the century. The addition of a detailed chronology and extensive glossaries makes this the most informed reference book on nineteenth-century music currently available.

Table of Contents:
Chronology; Part I. 1800–1850: 1. The musical work and nineteenth-century history Jim Samson; 2. Music and the rise of aesthetics Andrew Bowie; 3. The profession of music John Rink; 4. The opera industry Roger Parker; 5. The construction of Beethoven K. M. Knittel; 6. Music and the poetic Julian Rushton; 7. The invention of tradition John Irving; 8. Choral music John Butt; 9. The consumption of music Derek Carew; 10. The great composer Jim Samson; Part II. 1850–1900: 11. Progress, modernity, and the concept of an avant-garde John Williamson; 12. Music as ideal: the aesthetics of autonomy Max Paddison; 13. The structures of musical life Katharine Ellis; 14. Opera and music drama Thomas Grey; 15. Beethoven reception: the symphonic tradition James Hepokoski; 16. Words and music in France and Germany Susan Youens; 17. Chamber music and piano Jonathan Dunsby; 18. Choral culture and the regeneration of the organ John Butt; 19. Music and social class Derek B. Scott; 20. Nations and nationalism Jim Samson; 21. Styles and languages around the turn of the century Anthony Pople.

About the Author :
Jim Samson has been a Professor of Music at the Universities of Exeter and Bristol and is now Professor of Music at Royal Holloway, University of London. He has published several books on Chopin including The Cambridge Companion to Chopin (1992), as well as books on Szymanowski, late Romantic music, and music of the early twentieth century.

Review :
'… a comprehensive, impressive overview of the music of the period in question … Jim Samson has assembled an equally impressive selection of Anglo-American musicological minds to write it with him. There is in fact nothing gimmicky here, but much to admire. The book on its own terms remains a significant contribution to the current literature, of which any publisher should be proud.' Musical Times