In this groundbreaking work, Wilfrid Mellers explores the connections between Romanticism and modernism, showing how the ideas and values of one era shaped the art and culture of the next. Full of fascinating insights and bold claims, this book is sure to provoke lively debate among scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Themes and Developments in the History of American Music
This facsimile reprint preserves the content of the original 1975 edition published by Hillstone. It offers readers a chance to engage with the text as it was first presented, ensuring that the themes and insights remain intact for contemporary audiences. Ideal for collectors and those interested in the historical context of the work, this edition maintains the authenticity of the original publication.
With the Beatles, Bob Dylan is one of the most talented performers to emerge from the sixties. For more than twenty years Dylan has been a spokesman for the young--a representative of a generation and a way of life. While Dylan's originality is his strength, his art has roots in Amercan folk, country and pop music. In this exciting new book, Wilfrid Mellers, author of the acclaimed study of the Beatles, Twilight of the Gods, examines Dylan's musical heritage, from the British folk ballads that influenced his lyrics to the American folk-singers who influence his music. Mellers looks at how Dylan's vocal and instrumental style was affected by such greats as the Carter family, Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, Elvis Presley and Woody Guthrie. He goes on to consider what Dylan did with this musical legacy, and how he made these musical forms his own. Mellers offers illuminating commentary on virtually every song recorded by Dylan, and shows why his individual contribution has spoken so powerfully to millions of people.
The second edition features significant revisions and expansions, including new sections dedicated to the operas "Hugh the Drover," "Sir John in Love," and "The Poisoned Kiss." Additionally, it includes a final chapter titled "A Double Man's Last Harvest," which provides insights into the late A minor sonata for violin and piano. This comprehensive update enriches the content, offering readers deeper exploration into these musical works.
Culturally significant and historically valuable, this work has been carefully reproduced from its original artifact, preserving its authenticity. Readers will encounter original copyright references and library stamps, reflecting its esteemed status in major libraries worldwide. This dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original text highlights its importance in the knowledge base of civilization.