The Songs of Hans Pfitzner: A Guide and Study

(Hardback)

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Description

Mercier examines the 107 songs Hans Pfitzner wrote for voice and piano. This work provides IPA pronunciation symbols, translations into English, and brief biographies of the poets associated with Pfitzner's songs. Although not as famous as his contemporaries Hugo Wolf, Gustav Mahler, and Richard Strauss, Pfitzner created a number of fine songs and here receives the critical attention he deserves.

Reviews

"The Songs of Hans Pfitzner is a very welcome book. As the author, Richard E. Mercier, remarks in his introduction, the songs of Pfitzner are still less frequently performed than those by his contemporaries like Hugo Wolf, Mahler and Richard Strauss. I am very happy that this book brings them to the attention of performing musicians. Undoubtably here is a splendid guide for singers and pianists to find out how exactly the beauty of these songs was composed. There is clear musicological analysis as well as practical help with the expression of text and music. Warmly recommended!"-Elly Ameling

Author Bio

RICHARD MERCIER is staff accompanist at the California State University, Hayward. He has performed in recitals in America and abroad and has also served as assistant conductor with the Central City Opera and the Opera Theater of Connecticut. Presently, he is a pianist and vocal coach in the San Francisco area. He holds a doctorate in music from the Manhatten School of Music.