New Publications,
New Music Book Publications - 13th November 2024
Our latest selection of new music book publications includes the story behind the composition of one of the great operatic masterpieces of the nineteenth century, Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen; an appraisal of Elgar's choral work, The Music Makers; a compilation of letters between composer John McCabe and various eminent composers and performers around the world; a companion to the electric guitar; and the latest edition of The Rare Record Price Guide.
Der Ring des Nibelungen is one of the most epic and compelling stories of the nineteenth century. But the story of how Wagner created the work is one full of intrigue, triumphs, and controversy. This book combines cultural history and biography to offer an insightful introduction to The Ring and its mythology, telling the story of how and why this extraordinary masterpiece came into being, why it takes the form it does, why it fascinates and obsesses so many and horrifies others, and why it matters.
Available Format: Book
So Written to After-Times: John McCabe - A Life in Letters
Monica McCabe (editor); Forsyth; Paperback
A compilation of letters between composer-pianist John McCabe and eminent composers and performers from across the world, including letters home from his various foreign tours. They range from the scholastically interesting to the frivolous and the emotionally moving. Correspondents include Britten, Barbirolli, Ursula Vaughan Williams, Previn, Beryl Bainbridge, David Bintley and Richard Rodney Bennett.
Available Format: Book
Elgar’s The Music Makers has experienced a chequered reputation since its 1912 premiere at the Birmingham Festival. Significant adverse criticism targeted the poem by Arthur O'Shaughnessy that Elgar chose for his setting, whilst misunderstanding of Elgar’s innovatory compositional procedure was another main reason behind the negative responses. This book brings to the fore a prime example of how first musical performances can be misunderstood and reception can shift over time.
Available Format: Book
Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969) was a composer with an individual, expressive style. She was also an excellent violinist, a very fine pianist, and a talented author. This biographical story, based on letters and other family documents, has been brought to us first-hand by the composer's grand-daughter, the writer Joanna Sendłak.
Available Format: Book
The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar
Jan-Peter Herbst & Steve Waksman (editors); Cambridge University Press; Paperback
This companion explores electric guitar technology and performance, as well as the instrument's history and cultural impact. Chapters focused on the social significance of the electric guitar draw attention to the ways in which gender and race have shaped and been shaped by it, the ecology of electric guitar manufacturing, and the participation of electric guitarists in online communities, whilst contributions on electric guitar history stretch the chronology backwards in time and broaden our ideas of what belongs in that history.
Available Format: Book
Launched in 1986 and published bi-annually, The Rare Record Price Guide is now in its eighteenth edition, and is edited for the first time by long-term Record Collector contributor, author and DJ Daryl Easlea. With over 100,000 entries, the 1200+ page publication provides an A-to-Z guide to rare and collectable UK releases with catalogue numbers, B-sides and current mint values for every UK LP, single, EP, 12", worth over £15 as well as other collectable formats such as 10" LPs, CDs, flexi and picture discs.
Available Format: Book
Careful the Spell You Cast: How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical
Ben Francis; Methuen Publishing; Paperback
Stephen Sondheim is one of the most-loved musical theatre composers, but also one of the most misunderstood, often being labelled as 'distant' or 'cynical'. Now available in paperback, this book argues that he firmly belongs to the Broadway aspirational tradition, contending that throughout Sondheim's work, letting go of one's illusions is a process that his characters need to go through. Following the trajectory of Sondheim's career, it shows how he has dramatised this process alongside different collaborators.
Available Format: Book
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