The definitive biography and critical study of Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683ndash;1764); this volume deals at length not only with the composers musical achievements but also with aspects of his life and work that made him one of the most important cultural figures in eighteenth-century France. Fascinating incidents include his central position in a musical controversy that excited the enmity of Rousseau; Diderot; and the Encyclopedists; his friendship and collaboration with Voltaire; and his position as the author of a treatise on harmony that endured for two centuries.This critical evaluation focuses chiefly on Rameaus musical works; devoting entire chapters to his operas and ballets as well as his chamber music; cantatas and motets; and minor works. Additional topics include his links to Lully; his influence on Gluck; and the nature and importance of his acoustic and harmonic theories. Supplements include more than 300 musical examples; numerous useful appendices; indexes; an extensive bibliography; and a new Introduction by the distinguished musicologist and historian Philip Gossett.
#1389879 in eBooks 2012-08-01 2012-08-01File Name: B00I9AX8IE
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent reference book on Beethoven 9By J. Ernest GreenWonderful book for those working on this piece. I have other books from this Yale series and they are all really good. They remind me a bit of the single subject New Grove volumes. For a student or professional working on Beethoven 9 this is a great tool!0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. pompous sermonizingBy Col. William Russell (ret)The book starts off badly with a chapter of pompous sermonizing. Then he goes on about the use of Schillers poem; on which he spends far too much time since its the music thats important. The musical chapters are good altho Id say Grove did it better. If you can read music (which I can); that would be essential in following his discussions.3 of 18 people found the following review helpful. disapointedBy leonardoI do not like this book because it is written for those that can read music and have at least some understanding of compositional theroy. Mr. Levys disection of the four movements are very technical; very dry; and not meant for the layman. My 2 stars then are given as a layman. The biggest problem is just over half of the books 226 pages are simply a measure by measure breakdown of each movement. To me it seems like stating the obvious; espically if one can read music. The later chapters do however provide accounts of the first performance and the symphonys legacy. If I had known of the technical aspect of the book I would have passed. I guess the insight into the composer I seek might better be found in a biography.
