Music in the Age of the Renaissance [Hardcover]

Leeman L. Perkins (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0393046087 | ISBN-13: 978-0393046083 | Publication Date: April 17, 1999

A richly detailed portrait of the music and surrounding culture in one of history's most creative eras.

Music in the Age of the Renaissance, written by one of the country's leading scholars, brings to life the musical styles and genres that mark this humanistic period of artistic and scientific revolution. In his compelling treatment of how the music was developed and transmitted, Professor Leeman Perkins grounds his narrative firmly in political, religious, social, and cultural history, opening a window onto the lavish courts, magnificent churches, and thriving urban centers in which music played such a vital role. The latest, best, and most comprehensive survey of Renaissance music to appear in over forty years.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A considerable amount of research has been done in the 45 years since Gustave Reese's comprehensive survey Music in the Renaissance (1954) was published. To bring the subject up to date requires a music historian with a broad understanding of political, religious, and cultural history, and Perkins (music, Columbia Univ.) has proven himself equal to the task. He has produced an extraordinary exposition of the period, placing music in its social setting with close attention to detail and a gift for incorporating interesting stories into the narrative. The study is well written and truly comprehensive. Perkins is careful to separate known fact from areas still under investigation, prudently taking a conservative position on controversial issues. Paintings, maps, charts, and tables are used to clarify the various points, and numerous well-chosen musical examples enhance detailed analyses of selected works. Essential for the serious student of music history.?Timothy J. McGee, Univ. of Toronto
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Leeman L. Perkins, professor of music at Columbia University, co-edited The Mellon Chansonnier.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1152 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (April 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393046087
• ISBN-13: 978-0393046083
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.4 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,383,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Only Renaissance Music Reference Book You Will Ever Need, May 8, 2004

By 

S.A. Tiger "John" (San Antonio, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Music in the Age of the Renaissance (Hardcover)

Leeman Perkins is a reknowned musicologist. His text is quite wordy, but if there is anything dealing with this era of music that you want to know about, look no further than this book. Of course, Renaissance musicology is ever evolving. New discoveries occur all the time. Just six years ago, the birth date ofJosquin des Prez was adjusted from 1440 to 1450 thanks to the investigations of musicologists. Another words this or any other book on Renaissance music, could be dated in ten years.

I like the organization of the book in to three parts chronologically. The transition from the Medieval Period to the Renaissance Period and its causes are discussed thoroughly. Notation is discussed (nearly 100 pages on Renaissance music theory). Fixed forms (chanson) are discussed, as well as the Mass and motet forms. Major composers, minor composers, instrumental music, Counter-Reformation reforms (Council of Trent) are all thoroughly discussed.

A great addition to the musicians library.