Stravinsky in Context

Hardback

Main Details

Title Stravinsky in Context
Authors and Contributors      Edited by Graham Griffiths
SeriesComposers in Context
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:370
Dimensions(mm): Height 235,Width 158
Category/Genre20th century and contemporary classical music
Bands, groups and musicians
ISBN/Barcode 9781108422192
ClassificationsDewey:780.92
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises; 10 Halftones, black and white

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 17 December 2020
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Stravinsky in Context offers an alternative to chronological biography. Thirty-five short, specially commissioned essays explore the eventful life-tapestry from which Stravinsky's compositions emerged. The opening chapters draw on new research into the composer's childhood in St. Petersburg. Stravinsky's early, often traumatic upbringing is examined in depth, particularly in the context of his brother Roman's death, and religious sensibilities within the family. Further essays consider Stravinsky's years in exile at the centre of dynamic and ever-evolving cultural environments, the composer constantly refining his idiom and re-defining his aesthetics against a backdrop of world events and personal tragedy. The closing chapters review new material regarding Stravinsky's complicated relationship with the Soviet Union, whilst also anticipating his legacy from the varied perspectives of publishing, research and even - in the iconic example of The Rite of Spring - space exploration. The book includes previously unpublished images of the composer and his family.

Author Biography

Graham Griffiths is an Honorary Research Fellow at City, University of London and a member of the editorial board of the St Petersburg Conservatoire. His publications include Stravinsky's Piano: Genesis of a Musical Language (Cambridge University Press, 2013) and he is a contributor to British Post-Graduate Musicology-online (2005), Abecedaire Stravinsky (2018) and The Cambridge Stravinsky Encyclopedia (2020). He was Founder/director of the contemporary music ensemble Grupo Novo Horizonte de Sao Paulo (1989-99) and Vice-President, Sociedade Brasileira de Musicologia (1995-97). He is editor of the Kashperova Edition (Boosey & Hawkes).

Reviews

'a fascinating read for more-seasoned musicians ... Recommended.' M. Neil, Choice Connect