Frank Martin: A Bio-Bibliography

(Hardback)

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Description

Appropriately, this work written on the year of the 100th birthday of Frank Martin, is the first English language resource dealing with work by and about the Swiss composer. Charles King provides access to a great deal of critical substantive writing about Martin's work and to the considerable body of writing by the composer himself. Many of the most important writings, derived from articles, lectures, letters, program notes and interviews, are now collected into several monographs in French with some parts in English and German, all of which have been indexed here. Comprehensive coverage is given to articles in English, and excellent work written in German, French, Dutch, and Italian has been highlighted also. The volume consists of a biography of Martin, a cataloging of the composer's works and performances, and a 229-item discography followed by two separate bibliographies that list writings by and about Martin. Two appendixes and an index complete the work. As the only comprehensive introduction in English to Frank Martin and his work, this reference will assist future researchers and stimulate the interest and curiosity of others to learn more of this composer's life and work.

Reviews

Although the compositions of Frank Martin (1890-1974) were well received by European critics during his lifetime, they are, for the most part, infrequently performed in the US. King has prepared an excellent biobibliography, which conveniently appears on the centennial of Martin's birth. The volume is a real boon to those who wish to know more about this enormously talented Swiss composer, who created well-crafted works in all genres. The bibliographic annotations are, on the whole, rather lengthy, but this is beneficial to English-speaking readers, since most of the books, articles, essays, and dissertations cited are in other European languages. Particularly valuable are King's annotations to Martin's own writings, which give the reader a useful introduction to the composer's philosophical views on music. Also included is a detailed list of works and a comprehensive discography; the lack of distinction between long-playing records and compact discs in the discography is the only major flaw in an otherwise impressive research guide. Highly recommended for academic libraries that support graduate and strong undergraduate music programs.-Choice
"Although the compositions of Frank Martin (1890-1974) were well received by European critics during his lifetime, they are, for the most part, infrequently performed in the US. King has prepared an excellent biobibliography, which conveniently appears on the centennial of Martin's birth. The volume is a real boon to those who wish to know more about this enormously talented Swiss composer, who created well-crafted works in all genres. The bibliographic annotations are, on the whole, rather lengthy, but this is beneficial to English-speaking readers, since most of the books, articles, essays, and dissertations cited are in other European languages. Particularly valuable are King's annotations to Martin's own writings, which give the reader a useful introduction to the composer's philosophical views on music. Also included is a detailed list of works and a comprehensive discography; the lack of distinction between long-playing records and compact discs in the discography is the only major flaw in an otherwise impressive research guide. Highly recommended for academic libraries that support graduate and strong undergraduate music programs."-Choice

Author Bio

CHARLES W. KING is Assistant Music Librarian at the University of Arizona Library. His previous published articles include Arizona's State Song(s), A Discography of the Music of Frank Martin, and Music for Flute and Harp.