Benjamin Britten and Russia

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Music Styles, Classical & Opera, Classical
Cover of the book Benjamin Britten and Russia by Cameron Pyke, Boydell & Brewer
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Cameron Pyke ISBN: 9781782048053
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Publication: August 18, 2016
Imprint: Boydell Press Language: English
Author: Cameron Pyke
ISBN: 9781782048053
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer
Publication: August 18, 2016
Imprint: Boydell Press
Language: English

This book explores Benjamin Britten's creative relationship with Russia throughout his life by examining his engagement with Russian composers, musicians and writers in the context of twentieth-century politics. The remarkable relationship between Britten and Shostakovich is a central theme, but it also evaluates other key influences, particularly Britten's passion for Tchaikovsky, his more elusive fascination with Prokofiev, and his ambiguous attitude towards Stravinsky; and it places Britten's enduring friendships with Rostropovich, Vishnevskaya and Richter in the context of his musical output. The book also analyses Britten's responses to various Russian composers and musicians - why, for example, did he dislike Musorgsky? - and considers personal and political perceptions of Britten in the Soviet Union. Finally, it assesses the wider question of Russian influence on Britten's works and in turn whether Britten's music had any influence on the younger generation of Russian composers, such as Alfred Schnittke. This study draws on Foreign Office and British Council files at the National Archives, published and unpublished material from the former Soviet Union, including the Shostakovich Family Archive, and oral history, in addition to the Britten-related archives. Benjamin Britten and Russia will appeal not only to Britten scholars and students but also to those interested in twentieth-century culture, history and politics more widely. CAMERON PYKE is Deputy Master (External) at Dulwich College and part-time lecturer at the Centre of Russian Music, Goldsmiths, University of London.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book explores Benjamin Britten's creative relationship with Russia throughout his life by examining his engagement with Russian composers, musicians and writers in the context of twentieth-century politics. The remarkable relationship between Britten and Shostakovich is a central theme, but it also evaluates other key influences, particularly Britten's passion for Tchaikovsky, his more elusive fascination with Prokofiev, and his ambiguous attitude towards Stravinsky; and it places Britten's enduring friendships with Rostropovich, Vishnevskaya and Richter in the context of his musical output. The book also analyses Britten's responses to various Russian composers and musicians - why, for example, did he dislike Musorgsky? - and considers personal and political perceptions of Britten in the Soviet Union. Finally, it assesses the wider question of Russian influence on Britten's works and in turn whether Britten's music had any influence on the younger generation of Russian composers, such as Alfred Schnittke. This study draws on Foreign Office and British Council files at the National Archives, published and unpublished material from the former Soviet Union, including the Shostakovich Family Archive, and oral history, in addition to the Britten-related archives. Benjamin Britten and Russia will appeal not only to Britten scholars and students but also to those interested in twentieth-century culture, history and politics more widely. CAMERON PYKE is Deputy Master (External) at Dulwich College and part-time lecturer at the Centre of Russian Music, Goldsmiths, University of London.

More books from Boydell & Brewer

Cover of the book The Cistercians in the Middle Ages by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book Marie de France: A Critical Companion by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book The Musical Novel by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book Almshouses in Early Modern England by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book The Bjorling Sound by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book Nazi Policy on the Eastern Front, 1941 by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book Susan B. Anthony and the Struggle for Equal Rights by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book The Medieval Military Engineer by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book A Perceforest Reader by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book Cobbold and Kin: Life Stories from an East Anglian Family by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book Imagination and Idealism in John Updike's Fiction by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book Approaching African History by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book Thomas Beecham by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book The Supernatural Voice by Cameron Pyke
Cover of the book Dear Dorothy by Cameron Pyke
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy