Composing for the Films [Paperback]

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

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0485121077 | ISBN-13: 978-0485121070 | Publication Date: August 2001

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, industrialized 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.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Athlone Press (August 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0485121077
• ISBN-13: 978-0485121070
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,603,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 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 (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: Composing for the Films (Continuum Impacts) (Paperback)

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 (USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Composing for the Films (Athlone Contemporary European Thinkers) (Paperback)

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.