Nordic Art Music: From the Middle Ages to the Third Millennium (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780275973995)

The five countries that make up Northern Europe--Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland--have, over the course of the last several centuries, developed and unique and viable art music history that easily rivals that of their continental neighbors. Nordic Art Music: From the Middle Ages to the Third Millennium provides an informative and accessible overview of the fascinating historical and aesthetic developments of this music and its creators, from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, through the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras, to the beginning of this new century. Though some Nordic composers, including Edvard Grieg, Carl Nielsen, and Jean Sibelius, have found great acclaim in all parts of the world, author Frederick Key Smith lays the foundation for their work in his discussion of the many composers relatively unknown outside of Northern Europe.

Smith ably discusses the composers, styles, and representative works of each era in language that makes for a highly readable musical history as well as a superior reference guide. The first English-language book of its type in nearly 40 years, Smith's study brings into focus this broad and exciting aspect of music history.

Author: Frederick K. Smith
ISBN-10: 0275973999
ISBN-13: 9780275973995
Publisher: Praeger
Language: English
Published: 06/30/2002
Pages: 216
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 10.04h x 6.00w x 0.81d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 02/01/2003 pg. 994