Masters of French Music By: Arthur Hervey (1855-1922)
Masters of French Music by Arthur Hervey delves deep into the lives and works of some of the most celebrated composers in French history. Hervey's meticulous research and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter make this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in classical music. One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Hervey's ability to present complex musical concepts in an accessible manner. He effortlessly explains the nuances of the composers' compositions, making it possible for even non-musicians to appreciate their genius. Whether discussing Debussy's impressionistic style or Bizet's melodic prowess, Hervey's prose is engaging and thought-provoking. What sets this book apart from others on the same topic is Hervey's deep analysis of the historical and cultural contexts in which these composers lived and worked. He skillfully weaves together biographical sketches with discussions on the socio-political climate of 19th and 20th-century France, providing readers with a much-needed understanding of how these factors influenced the composers' artistic choices. The inclusion of musical examples throughout the book further enhances the reader's understanding of the discussed works. These examples, coupled with Hervey's insightful commentary, allow readers to truly immerse themselves in the music and appreciate the intricacies that make it timeless. While the book primarily focuses on well-known composers such as Debussy, Ravel, and Berlioz, Hervey also introduces readers to lesser-known figures who played a significant role in shaping French music. This breadth of coverage ensures that readers gain a holistic understanding of the subject and may even discover new composers to explore further. The book's only minor flaw is its occasional dryness, especially when delving into technical aspects of music theory. However, Hervey's enthusiasm for the subject matter generally compensates for this, as it is evident that he has a genuine passion for French music. In conclusion, Masters of French Music by Arthur Hervey is an exceptional book that offers a comprehensive exploration of the lives and works of renowned French composers. Hervey's masterful storytelling, insightful analysis, and accessible writing style make this book a must-read for music lovers and enthusiasts of French culture alike. First Page: Masters of Contemporary Music A SERIES OF BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SKETCHES =Masters of Contemporary Music.= WITH PORTRAITS, &C. =MASTERS OF ENGLISH MUSIC.= By CHARLES WILLEBY, Crown 8vo, cloth, 5s. =MASTERS OF GERMAN MUSIC.= By J. A. FULLER MAITLAND, Crown 8vo, cloth, 5s. [ In the Press. [Illustration: CH. GOUNOD Frontispiece. ] Masters of French Music BY ARTHUR HERVEY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS LONDON OSGOOD, McILVAINE & CO. 45 ALBEMARLE STREET 1894 THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS BY SPECIAL PERMISSION DEDICATED TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OF WALES PREFACE The reader who turns to these pages with the idea of finding therein a large and exhaustive account of the composers mentioned, with a technical analysis of their works, will, I fear, be disappointed. My intention has been a far more modest one. The dimensions of this volume would not have allowed me to devote that amount of space to each composer that might be considered due to his merits. The object I have had in view has been to give an account of their lives and to draw attention to the tendencies exhibited in their works. The French can boast a splendid musical record, particularly as regards the opera. Paris was for many years the centre towards which foreign artists were wont to gravitate... Continue reading book >>

Masters of French Music By: Arthur Hervey (1855-1922)

Masters of French Music by Arthur Hervey delves deep into the lives and works of some of the most celebrated composers in French history. Hervey's meticulous research and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter make this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in classical music.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Hervey's ability to present complex musical concepts in an accessible manner. He effortlessly explains the nuances of the composers' compositions, making it possible for even non-musicians to appreciate their genius. Whether discussing Debussy's impressionistic style or Bizet's melodic prowess, Hervey's prose is engaging and thought-provoking.

What sets this book apart from others on the same topic is Hervey's deep analysis of the historical and cultural contexts in which these composers lived and worked. He skillfully weaves together biographical sketches with discussions on the socio-political climate of 19th and 20th-century France, providing readers with a much-needed understanding of how these factors influenced the composers' artistic choices.

The inclusion of musical examples throughout the book further enhances the reader's understanding of the discussed works. These examples, coupled with Hervey's insightful commentary, allow readers to truly immerse themselves in the music and appreciate the intricacies that make it timeless.

While the book primarily focuses on well-known composers such as Debussy, Ravel, and Berlioz, Hervey also introduces readers to lesser-known figures who played a significant role in shaping French music. This breadth of coverage ensures that readers gain a holistic understanding of the subject and may even discover new composers to explore further.

The book's only minor flaw is its occasional dryness, especially when delving into technical aspects of music theory. However, Hervey's enthusiasm for the subject matter generally compensates for this, as it is evident that he has a genuine passion for French music.

In conclusion, Masters of French Music by Arthur Hervey is an exceptional book that offers a comprehensive exploration of the lives and works of renowned French composers. Hervey's masterful storytelling, insightful analysis, and accessible writing style make this book a must-read for music lovers and enthusiasts of French culture alike.

First Page:

Masters of Contemporary Music

A SERIES OF BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SKETCHES

=Masters of Contemporary Music.=

WITH PORTRAITS, &C.

=MASTERS OF ENGLISH MUSIC.= By CHARLES WILLEBY, Crown 8vo, cloth, 5s.

=MASTERS OF GERMAN MUSIC.= By J. A. FULLER MAITLAND, Crown 8vo, cloth, 5s.

[ In the Press.

[Illustration: CH. GOUNOD

Frontispiece. ]

Masters of French Music

ARTHUR HERVEY

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS

LONDON OSGOOD, McILVAINE & CO. 45 ALBEMARLE STREET 1894

THIS LITTLE VOLUME

BY SPECIAL PERMISSION

DEDICATED TO

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

THE PRINCESS OF WALES

PREFACE

The reader who turns to these pages with the idea of finding therein a large and exhaustive account of the composers mentioned, with a technical analysis of their works, will, I fear, be disappointed. My intention has been a far more modest one.

The dimensions of this volume would not have allowed me to devote that amount of space to each composer that might be considered due to his merits.

The object I have had in view has been to give an account of their lives and to draw attention to the tendencies exhibited in their works.

The French can boast a splendid musical record, particularly as regards the opera. Paris was for many years the centre towards which foreign artists were wont to gravitate... Continue reading book >>

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