Erich Wolfgang Korngold - (20th Century Composers) by Jessica Duchen (Paperback)

About the Book

A reappraisal of the work of the composer of 'film music'.

Book Synopsis

This colourful biography explores the life and music of Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957), whose varied compositions ranged from operas (written at a very young age) and orchestral music to lighter works such as operettas and Hollywood film scores. Korngold's lush, romantic scores have influenced many other film composers, while a recent resurgence of interest in his work has lent greater credibility to his more serious classical compositions.

From the Back Cover

Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957) is an extraordinary figure who bridged the worlds of serious music, operetta and film scores, from Mahler to Errol Flynn. Now, as his concert and stage music is also enjoying a great revival of interest, this study offers a reappraisal of Korngold's life and work, revealing a great sense of personal integrity and conviction for musical ideals which are the hallmarks of a true artist.

Review Quotes

"This is an inspired choice in this still early round of Phaidon's excellent, well-presented and illustrated 20th-Century Composers Series."--Classical Music

"Jessica Duchen's admirable biography will do much to advance the cause of Korngold."--Jewish Chronicle

On the 20th Century Composers Series

"As a series, Phaidon's 20th Century Composers has brought remarkable variety and a welter of information, both necessary and delightfully trivial. Intended both for the general reader and for the more enthusiastically musical."--The Scotsman

About the Author

Jessica Duchen is a freelance music journalist whose work appears frequently in the Guardian and BBC Music Magazine. Founding Editor of Piano magazine, she is the author of Gabriel Fauré, also in the 20th-Century Composers series.