Henry Purcell : the origins and development of his musical style / Martin Adams.
| Author/creator |
Adams, Martin |
| Format | Book and Print |
| Publication Info | Cambridge [England] : New York : Cambridge University Press, 1995. |
| Description | xii, 388 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm |
| Subject(s) |
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| Contents | pt. 1. Stylistic development and influences. Early years at court and home: developments to c. 1680 -- Years of experiment: c. 1680 to c. 1685 -- Consolidation: c. 1685 to c. 1688 -- Public recognition: c. 1689 to c. 1691 -- 'Meaning motion fans fresh our wits with wonder': c. 1692 to 1695 -- pt. 2. Analytical and generic studies. 'Clog'd with somewhat of an English vein': early instrumental music, the fantasias and sonatas -- 'Bassani's genius to Corelli joyn'd': instrumental music in the odes, the anthems and on the stage -- Early mastery: sacred music to c. 1685 -- Brilliance and decline: sacred music after c. 1685 -- 'The energy of English words': independent songs for one or more voices -- A new genre: odes to 1689 -- Consolidation and maturity: odes from 1689 to 1695 -- Background and beginnings: dramatic music to 1689 -- 'An English-man, equal with the best abroad': dramatic music from 1690 to 1691 -- 'The pride and darling of the stage': dramatic music from 1692 to 1695. |
| Abstract | This is the first book thoroughly to explore the musical style of Henry Purcell. In this comprehensive study, the author identifies music by other composers, both within England and from abroad, which influenced Purcell's compositional decisions. Using a mix of broad stylistic observation and detailed analysis, the author distinguishes between late-seventeenth-century English style in general and Purcell's style in particular, and chronicles the changes in the composer's approach to the main genres in which he worked, especially the newly emerging ode and English opera. As a result, the author reveals that although Purcell went through a marked stylistic development, encompassing an unusually wide range of surface changes, special elements of his style remained constant. The book will be of interest to students and scholars of music and theatre history, and of British cultural and social history. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 371-375) and index. |
| LCCN | 93048203 |
| ISBN | 052143159X |
Available Items
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions | |
| Music | Music Stacks | ML410.P93 A32 1995 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |