Thomas Adès Studies

This wide-ranging and authoritative volume discusses the major works of acclaimed contemporary composer Adès from a variety of critical perspectives.

Edward Venn (Edited by), Philip Stoecker (Edited by)

9781108486651, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 November 2021

350 pages
25.2 x 17.6 x 2.2 cm, 0.8 kg

'the most comprehensive analytical account to date on the music of this living composer … a wonderfully integrated volume discussing all of the composer's major works …' Society for Music Theory Awards Committee

Thomas Adès is a dominant force in contemporary music, whose work attracts significant attention and acclaim, and has been performed by many renowned ensembles. This volume – the first to present a range of scholarly essays on every aspect of Adès's music – offers authoritative accounts of Adès's major compositions from a variety of analytical, critical, cultural and historical perspectives. The opening chapters focus on Adès's earlier music, offering close readings of key works. Further essays focus on his engagement with forms and instrumental genres. The final chapters turn to Adès's texted music and highlight how themes introduced in earlier chapters cut across Adès's entire output. Richly illustrated with musical examples and supported by further online material, this book provides a multi-faceted portrait of Adès's work that opens up new ways of thinking about, and engaging with, his music.

1. 'Chronically Volatile': Gesture in Adès's Living Toys and America: a Prophecy Philip Rupprecht
2. Performing Adès Edward Venn with Henry Weekes
3. 'Fountain of Youth', 'River of Meaning': Aesthetics of the Superficial in Powder Her Face Nicholas David Stevens
4. 'Oh Brave New Caliban': Postcolonial Perspectives on Adès's The Tempest Jane Forner
5. Chaconnes in the Music of Adès Philip Stoecker
6. Closing the Circle? Tevot and the Question of Symphonic Resolution Richard Powell
7. A World in Constant Motion: Adès's in Seven Days Amy Bauer
8. Musique Automatique? Adèsian Automata and the Logic of Disjuncture Brian Moseley
9. Narrating the Dance of Death: Morality and Social Critique in Adès's Totentanz Scott Lee
10. Hearing Voices in Adès's Operas Emma Gallon
11. The Rich Logic of Adès's the Exterminating Angel and The Tempest John Roeder
12. Sonic Allegory in Adès's the Exterminating Angel Yayoi Uno Everett
Index.

Subject Areas: 20th century & contemporary classical music [AVGC6], Music reviews & criticism [AVC], Music [AV]