Overview

With this volume, Howard Smither completes his monumental History of the Oratorio. Volumes 1 and 2, published by the University of North Carolina Press in 1977, treated the oratorio in the Baroque era, while Volume 3, published in 1987, explored the genre in the Classical era. Here, Smither surveys the history of nineteenth- and twentieth-century oratorio, stressing the main geographic areas of oratorio composition and performance: Germany, Britain, America, and France. Continuing the approach of the previous volumes, Smither treats the oratorio in each language and geographical area by first exploring the cultural and social contexts of oratorio. He then addresses aesthetic theory and criticism, treats libretto and music in general, and offers detailed analyses of the librettos and music of specific oratorios (thirty-one in all) that are of special importance to the history of the genre. As a synthesis of specialized literature as well as an investigation of primary sources, this work will serve as both a springboard for further research and an essential reference for choral conductors, soloists, choral singers, and others interested in the history of the oratorio. Originally published 2000. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.

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9780807825112

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Reviews

The rise and fall of the oratorio is meticulously examined through probing discussions of the familiar masterworks and extended treatments of the various national traditions. All in all, a splendid achievement. R. Larry Todd, Duke University A valuable source of information and reference for decades to come. The Musical Times [A]successful completion of one of the most important musicological projects of recent times. Music Library Association Notes [A] major contribution to historical scholarship. Music and Letters This book completes one of the most important historical surveys that has been offered to musical scholarship in this generation.Nicholas Temperley, University of Illinois This book completes one of the most important historical surveys that has been offered to musical scholarship in this generation.Nicholas Temperley, University of Illinois YAsuccessful completion of one of the most important musicological projects of recent times. Music Library Association Notes YA major contribution to historical scholarship. Music and Letters

The rise and fall of the oratorio is meticulously examined through probing discussions of the familiar masterworks and extended treatments of the various national traditions. All in all, a splendid achievement. R. Larry Todd, Duke University This book completes one of the most important historical surveys that has been offered to musical scholarship in this generation.Nicholas Temperley, University of Illinois YAsuccessful completion of one of the most important musicological projects of recent times. Music Library Association Notes YA major contribution to historical scholarship. Music and Letters This book completes one of the most important historical surveys that has been offered to musical scholarship in this generation.Nicholas Temperley, University of Illinois [A]successful completion of one of the most important musicological projects of recent times. Music Library Association Notes A valuable source of information and reference for decades to come. The Musical Times [A] major contribution to historical scholarship. Music and Letters

This book completes one of the most important historical surveys that has been offered to musical scholarship in this generation.<p>Nicholas Temperley, University of Illinois

The rise and fall of the oratorio is meticulously examined through probing discussions of the familiar masterworks and extended treatments of the various national traditions. All in all, a splendid achievement. R. Larry Todd, Duke University This book completes one of the most important historical surveys that has been offered to musical scholarship in this generation.Nicholas Temperley, University of Illinois A successful completion of one of the most important musicological projects of recent times. Music Library Association Notes A major contribution to historical scholarship. Music and Letters A valuable source of information and reference for decades to come. The Musical Times [A] major contribution to historical scholarship. Music and Letters This book completes one of the most important historical surveys that has been offered to musical scholarship in this generation.Nicholas Temperley, University of Illinois [A]successful completion of one of the most important musicological projects of recent times. Music Library Association Notes

This book completes one of the most important historical surveys that has been offered to musical scholarship in this generation.Nicholas Temperley, University of Illinois

Author Information

Howard E. Smither is James Gordon Hanes Professor Emeritus of the Humanities in Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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