This book is a definitive history of C.F. Peters Music Publishers in Leipzig, founded as Hoffmeister & Kunnel Bureau de Musique in 1800; it spans culture, music, education and the Holocaust. Through extracts from letters, company and personal papers, the story highlights many fascinating and hitherto unpublished details about composers and major publications, often indicating how those considered of major importance today struggled for recognition in their own time. The emphasis is on the personalities, musicians, musical life and events, and genesis of some publications, rather than on musicological analysis. A gripping and detailed account of how the holocaust was to destroy the company's owner, Henri Hinrichsen and other members of his family, provides a grim reminder of the fate of Jews in Nazi Germany and the countries it came to occupy. Seventeen chapters, divided into four parts, follow an "Introduction" giving relevant background information on Leipzig, centre of music, books and culture in Germany. Part 2 covers the first hundred years when Bach, Beethoven and Louis Spohr were the core composers. Part 2 concentrates on the period between 1900 and World War I in Leipzig. Henri Hinrichsen, Dr Abraham's nephew and sucessor, expanded the business, including such composers as Christian Sinding, Karl Straube, Richard Strauss, Hans Pfitzner, Reger. The publication of Schonberg's "Five Orchestral Pieces" and Mahler's 5th Symphony is discussed in depth. Part 3, "Inflation to National Socialism", reveals and highlights customs, attitudes and values of a society during a time of great change. Part 4 describes the Nazi period from 1933 onwards.
- ISMN: 9790953611201 (M953611201)
- Product code: D3301+
