Gīŋ1/2recki (Oxford Studies of Composers) [Hardcover]

Adrian Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 19, 1997 | Series: Oxford Studies of Composers

This book is the first detailed study of Polish composer Henryk G�recki, whose Third Symphony, written in 1976 and released on CD in 1992, became a bestseller and brought Goreki international renown. Written by a leading enthusiast of G�recki's music, this volume ranges from the composer's large orchestral scores (Sconti, Refrain, the Symphonies) and choral works (Beatus Vir, commissioned by and dedicated to Pope John Paul II) to the more modest church songs and folk-song arrangements. Granted numerous interviews and access to unpublished material, the author discusses G�recki's position as leader of the Polish avant-garde in the late 1950s, and his subsequent discovery of the folk and church music of Old Poland, most notably that of the Podhale region in southern Poland. The book includes a complete list of works since 1955 with details of instrumentation and recordings, and a select bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`Adrian Thomas's monograph felicitously bridges a substantial gap in the study not only of the history of contemporary Polish music but also of the history of twentieth-century music more generally ... A particularly valuable feature ... is its documentary material.' Zbigniew Skowron

`a detailed work-by-work study by a leading expert who knows the composer, fleshed out with biographical details and useful appendices; there are copious music examples ... a highly detailed text which veers between analytical charts and more straightforward descriptive writing' Gramophone, September 1997

About the Author

Adrian Thomas is at University of Wales, Cardiff.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (June 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198163932
• ISBN-13: 978-0198163930
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,156,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview of Gorecki's work, May 8, 2004

By 

Robert Badger (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gīŋ1/2recki (Oxford Studies of Composers) (Paperback)

This book is an excellent guide to the complete oeuvre of Henryk Gorecki. It covers Gorecki's earliest compositions, his work during his radical phase, and his return to tonality. For those interested in the life and work of this composer, this book is an excellent introduction. Some musical background will be helpful, though.