Sacred Passions
Price:
$65.00 (06)Description
This biography offers a fresh understanding of the life and work of Spanish composer Manuel de Falla (1876-1946), recognized as the greatest composer in the Spanish cultural renaissance that extended from the latter part of the 19th century until the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. The biography incorporates recent research on Falla, draws on untapped sources in the Falla archives, reevaluates Falla's work in terms of current issues in musicology, and considers Falla's accomplishments in their historical and cultural contexts.Reviews
"A model of academic biography...scrupulous accuracy and unflinching fair-mindedness."--Stephen Brown, Times Literary Supplement
"Hess's book sheds light on Falla's education and ideology and stands out as a major contribution to the history of Spanish music.... It paves the way for new research on Falla's life and music that might significantly change our views on twentieth-century musical historiography in Spain."--Enrique Sacau, l Saggiatore Musicale
"Hess...explains the origins of Falla's religious devotion, his education, and the problems with the premiere of La vida breve and its relation to the politics of the day, with an agil narrative and, at the same time, a capacity to hit a raw nerve in a way that we are not accustomed to in works dealing with Spanish music. This quality is probably the key to enjoying the book...Right now, if you want a biography of Falla...buy this one without a moment's hesitation."--Mundoclasico.com
"Carol A. Hess has written a sophisticated biography of Manuel de Falla that engages with the composer's personality, religious convictions, and complex political circumstances, while deftly incorporating commentary on his music into the narrative. A stimulating book and a valuable contribution to the growing body of scholarship on twentieth-century Spanish music."--Dr. Michael Christoforidis, Lecturer in Musicology, University of Melbourne
"An altogether superior production is Sacred Passions It is a model of academic biography, with scrupulous accuracy and unflinching fair mindesness."-Times Literary Supplement
"As Carol A. Hess demonstrates in this splendidly written study, the life of Manuel de Falla was replete with musical, political, and personal contradictions. His most famous work, the sensuous El amor brujo , 'one of my sins,' was produced by a composer who, according to Stravinsky, was 'cruelly religious' yet beloved by his friends for his warmth and kindness. A black-clad, tortured ascetic, Falla lived a fascinating life and it is vividly recreated with insight and sensitivity."--Paul Preston, London School of Economics and Political Science
Product Details
368 pages; 23 halftones, 28 music examples; 6-1/8 x 9-1/4; ISBN13: 978-0-19-514561-8ISBN10: 0-19-514561-5About the Author(s)
Carol A. Hess is Associate Professor of Music at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. She won an ASCAP/Deems Taylor award for her book, Manuel de Falla and Modernism in Spain, 1898-1936 .
