Joseph Kerman was an American musicologist and critic, recognized as a leading figure in his field. His work marked a defining moment for musicology, exploring the depths of music not just technically, but also in its impact on the human spirit and society. Kerman's analyses were known for their penetration and their ability to connect musical works with broader cultural and philosophical contexts, offering profound insights into the art form.
Exploring the enduring relevance of classical music, Joseph Kerman challenges the notion of its demise through a series of essays and reviews. He traces the genre's evolution from historical figures like Guillaume Dufay and William Byrd to modern composers such as Philip Glass and John Adams. Kerman's insights reveal the richness and vitality of classical music, highlighting its continual impact on contemporary culture and artistry.
An attempt to show why opera is one of the greatest forms of dramatic art, this has accounts of some of the greatest operas by Monteverdi, Gluck, Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, Debussy and Berg. This revised edition has new material including a section on Idomeneo and an epilogue on operatic criticism.