Nordic Art Music: From the Middle Ages to the Third Millennium

(Hardback)

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Description

Covers composers, styles, and works that are part of Northern Europe's rich and largely underappreciated musical heritage. 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 and broad and exciting aspect of music history.

Reviews

.,."this well-written, readable book is appropriate for all levels. Its inclusiveness makes it a very important resource for all libraries."-Choice
Nordic Art Music is one of the finest books on the topic and should be found in every music library.-Journal of Music Library Association
...this well-written, readable book is appropriate for all levels. Its inclusiveness makes it a very important resource for all libraries.-Choice
Fredrick Key Smith presents readers with the first English-language history of Nordic music in nearly forty years....Smith's book provides an accessible reference for performers, teachers, and Nordic music aficionados. This is a useful source for those wanting a general overview of Nordic art music history but who do not read any Scandinavian languages.-Music Educators Journal
..."this well-written, readable book is appropriate for all levels. Its inclusiveness makes it a very important resource for all libraries."-Choice
"Nordic Art Music is one of the finest books on the topic and should be found in every music library."-Journal of Music Library Association
"Fredrick Key Smith presents readers with the first English-language history of Nordic music in nearly forty years....Smith's book provides an accessible reference for performers, teachers, and Nordic music aficionados. This is a useful source for those wanting a general overview of Nordic art music history but who do not read any Scandinavian languages."-Music Educators Journal

Author Bio

FREDERICK KEY SMITH is currently the Doctoral Fellow in Musicology at the University of Florida.