Art Song Composers of Spain: An Encyclopedia

Art Song Composers of Spain: An Encyclopedia describes the wealth of vocal repertoire composed by 19th- and 20th-century Spanish song composers. More than 90 composers are discussed in detail with complete biographies, descriptions, and examples of the song literature, as well as comprehensive listings of stage works, books, recordings, compositions in non-vocal genres, and vocal repertoire. Opening with a thorough history of Spain and its political scene, author Suzanne Rhodes Draayer examines its relation to song composition and the impact on composers such as Fernando Sor, Sebastian de Iradier, Federico Garcia Lorca, Manuel de Falla, and many others. Draayer discusses Spanish art song and its various types, its folksong influences, and the major and minor composers of each period. Beginning with Manuel Garcia (b. 1775) and ending with Carmen Santiago de Meras (b. 1917), Draayer provides biographies of the composers, a discussion and analysis of songs available in print in the US, and a complete list of solo songs for each. Musical examples are given for 175 songs, demonstrating a variety of compositional techniques and lyrical text settings, and illustrating characteristics of orientalism (Moorish) and cante jondo (gypsy) elements, as well as influences such as the German lied and French melodie. The final chapter lists contemporary composers and considers the difficulties in researching music by women composers. Complete with a foreword by Nico Castel, a bibliography, and additional indexes, Art Song Composers of Spain proves the importance of the Spanish song as an essential part of vocal training and concert repertoire.

For singers, teachers, musicologists, guitarists, and others, Drayer (voice and related studies, Winona State U.) presents an encyclopedia of Spanish art song composers that contains biographies of 93 composers and traces the development of Spanish art song through discussion and analysis of their songs and texts. Biographies also list vocal repertoire, stage works, non-vocal compositions, collections, books, and recordings. She covers both major and minor composers, beginning with those born from 1775 to 1800 up to those born since 1875, from Manuel del Póulo Garcia to Manuel de Falla and Joaquin Rodrigo. Musical examples are included. In addition to biographies, introductory chapters discuss song types and indigenous music, and she addresses the difficulties in researching women composers (neglected in the volume) in the final chapter and provides a list of them and contemporary male composers in need of research. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Art Song Composers of Spain: An Encyclopedia recognizes and describes the wealth of vocal repertoire composed by 19th- and 20th-century Spanish song composers. More than 90 composers are discussed in detail with complete biographies, descriptions and examples of the song literature, and comprehensive listings of stage works, books and recordings, compositions in non-vocal genres, and vocal repertoire.