Gerald Abraham Livres

Covering a transformative century in music, this work explores the evolution from Beethoven's death to contemporary styles. It delves into the rise and fall of Romanticism, nationalist movements, and the emergence of neo-classicism and the twelve-tone system. The author dedicates significant attention to modernist and avant-garde composers like Schönberg, Bartók, and Berg, addressing the challenges of engaging with their music. Additionally, the book sheds new light on well-known musical themes, enhancing the reader's understanding of this pivotal period.

Focusing on Soviet Russia's composers, this engaging book serves as an accessible introduction for those unfamiliar with classical music from the U.S.S.R. It aims to connect readers to the rich musical heritage and cultural significance of Soviet composers, making it an ideal resource for music enthusiasts in the United Kingdom looking to deepen their understanding of this unique musical landscape.

Focusing on the Romantic era from 1830 to 1890, this volume offers an in-depth survey of significant composers like Beethoven, Schumann, and Chopin, along with lesser-known musicians. It delves into their contributions to the evolution of musical styles and genres, providing a balanced analysis enriched with numerous musical examples. This comprehensive resource is invaluable for both music students and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of this transformative period in music history.

First published in 1939, On Russian Music was conceived by Gerald Abraham as a sequel to his earlier Studies in Russian Music (1935, also in Faber Finds), and complements the previous work in many useful respects.