Listening to Art Song: An Introduction

by Margaret Olson

Overview

Listening to Art Song: An Introduction offers an easy-to-read, fresh perspective on the remarkably diverse musical genre of art song. As the ultimate expression of the human singing voice, song has provided succor and entertainment to humanity in many forms since the dawn of civilization. Margaret Olson examines art song’s development, outlines the elements that comprise it, offers ideas on how to effectively listen to it, provides brief biographical sketches of key art song composers, and lists important recordings in the Italian, French, German, British, and American art song traditions. By instructing readers in how to evaluate art songs, Olson informs and enhances the art song experience for listeners. Listening to Art Song is the ideal text for any student studying voice or anyone interested in the genre of song.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442230217
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	05/01/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304
File size:	739 KB

About the Author

Margaret Olson has held teaching positions on the faculties of Morgan State University, the University of Tennessee, Georgetown University, and the Peabody Conservatory and Preparatory, among others. She is the author of The Solo Singer in the Choral Setting: A Handbook for Achieving Vocal Health (Scarecrow Press, 2010) and Bon Jovi: America’s Ultimate Band (Scarecrow Press, 2013).

Table of Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Song
Chapter 2: The Development of Art Song
Chapter 3: The Elements of Song
Chapter 4: How to Listen to Song
Chapter 5: Italian Song
Chapter 6: German Lieder
Chapter 7: French Mélodies
Chapter 8: Songs of the British Isles
Chapter 9: American Songs: Part One
Chapter 10: American Songs: Part Two
Appendix A: Recommended Song Recordings
Appendix B: List of Composers by Country of Birth
Glossary
Bibliography
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

The art song recital made easy to understand and down to earth. This book is a helpful way to experience the aspects of an intimate live performance through the pairing of voice and piano. The recordings, song choices, and singers will stretch your imagination and inspire you to be a creative performer, programmer, and listener.

Julie Simson

For me, nothing is as important as a song—a crystallized moment of history, a window into the human heart. For a beginner who wants an overview of songs written for the concert stage, Margaret Olson has compiled it all into one compact guide. This elegantly written book directs the ear and the mind of the reader straight to the beauties of this art form.

Steven Blier

Margaret Olson’s Listening to Art Song is an indispensable volume for all who seek a more personal connection with this most universal of musical expressions.. .. A must-have, go-to resource!

Dr. Arlene Shrut

Margaret Olson’s Listening to Art Song is an indispensable volume for all who seek a more personal connection with this most universal of musical expressions.. .. A must-have, go-to resource!

From the Publisher