Composing for the Films (Continuum Impacts) [Paperback]

Theodor W. Adorno (Author), Hanns Eisler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 11, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0826499023 | ISBN-13: 978-0826499028 | Edition: 1

This classic account of the nature of film music aesthetics was first published in 1947. Its value comes from a unique combination of talents and experience enjoyed by the book's authors. Eisler's time at Hollywood gave him a particular insight on the technical questions which arise for composers when music is used in the production of films; while Adorno was able to contribute on wide aesthetic and sociological matters as well as specifically musical questions. Above all, the authors envisaged the book as a contribution to the study of modern, industrialised culture; and, in this respect, it has a particular importance to the whole area of cultural studies.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Theodor W. Adorno (1903-69) was a founder and arguably the foremost thinker of the Frankfurt School. He worked with Max Horkheimer at the New York Institute for Social Research and later taught at the University of Frankfurt until his death in 1969. His work has proved enormously influential in sociology, philosophy and cultural theory.

Hanns Eisler (1898-1962) began composing for films in the late 1920s. He emigrated to the US in the 1930s where he write a number of scores for Hollywood productions, including None But The Lonely Heart and Renoir's The Woman on the Beach.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Continuum; 1 edition (December 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826499023
• ISBN-13: 978-0826499028
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.6 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,020,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Belongs on every film music scholar's shelf February 8, 2008

By Steward Willons VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

After so many years sitting on library shelves in obscurity, it's nice to see that Continuum finally saw fit to release this title again. It's rather telling how Eisler's stature has weathered seeing as the first edition said only "Eisler" on the spine, while this version says "Adorno and Eisler."

There's nothing very different about this reprint, other than its availability at a reasonable price. Graham McCann provides a nice historical introduction, although he feels the need to give some throw-away biographical info on both Adorno and Eisler before getting onto the history of the book itself.

Sadly, this book has not had the desired effect on film music that the authors intended as its message is as applicable today as ever. While I've read at least parts of many of the available film music books around, this one is special because it presents no compromises with regard to the role of music in film, and in Adorno's elegant theoretical language.

Anyone interested in film music should own this. For those Adorno fans who may or may not be interested in film music, there is plenty here as well. For one thing, this is a great example of Adorno meeting the culture industry head-on in an extended format. This is essential reading.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Adorno/Eisler March 8, 2007

By Sensei

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a great book. While it was written over 60 years ago, it is still very applicable to today. It's worth the investment.