Russians on Russian Music, 1880–1917
An Anthology

This book explores the reactions of leading critics to new Russian music in the period 1880–1917.

Stuart Campbell (Edited and translated by)

9780521041997, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 September 2007

284 pages, 3 music examples
22.9 x 15.4 x 1.7 cm, 0.43 kg

'… immensely welcome. Dealing with a wide range of issues, the thoughtfully selected articles reveal the views of contemporary Russian critics and chroniclers on concert life, publications, censorship, patronage, musical societies and groups, as well as providing a fascinating glimpse on the Russian perception of western composers and western music as a whole. Furthermore, most of the articles provide a detailed analysis of important musical works … Campbell's translation is masterful … This is a book recommended to all who are interested in the extremely lively cultural world of fin-de-siècle Russia, and a wonderful resource to teachers and students alike.' Brio

This second anthology of Russian writing on Russian music begins in 1880 (where the first volume concluded) and ends in 1917. It brings the thoughts of leading Russian music critics to an English-speaking readership as they react to the Russian music that is new to them, during a period when all aspects of musical life were developing rapidly. Music criticism had become more sure-footed, if no less opinionated. These reviews demonstrate greater awareness both of music history and of contemporary music abroad. The period covers the late careers of Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov as well as late works by Borodin and Balakirev, and the emergence of Mussorgsky's compositions. Works by the intervening generation, including Arensky, Glazunov and Lyadov, are also reviewed and the book concludes with coverage of works by the Moscow School, including Medtner, Rachmaninoff and Skryabin and the early compositions of Stravinsky and Prokoviev.

Preface
Introduction
List of sources
1. Tchaikovsky
2. Rimsky-Korsakov
3. Other composers of the former Balakirev circle
4. The Belyayev generation
5. Moscow and her composers
6. New stylistic directions
Epilogue
Index.

Subject Areas: 20th century & contemporary classical music [AVGC6], Romantic music [c 1830 to c 1900 AVGC5]