The Musical Genesis of Felix Mendelssohn's Paulus

by Siegwart Reichwald

Overview

Felix Mendelssohn is one of the most celebrated figures of the early Romantic period. As a composer of sacred texts, he is chiefly remembered today for the oratorios Paulus (1836) and Elijah (1846). In this groundbreaking study, Siegwart Reichwald offers a meticulous analysis of Paulus, beginning with a general overview of the oratorio traditions of the early nineteenth century. He details the phases of the compositional process of Paulus as well as principles governing its development. Numerous musical examples, figures, and tables accompany the text.

This thorough treatment of Paulus, while shedding light on Mendelssohn's approach to the oratorio and to sacred music in general, will be of interest to students of musicology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810840478
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	07/17/2001
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.64(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Siegwart Reichwald is an Associate Professor at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC.

Editorial Reviews

Reichwald has provided a thorough examination of the background, sources, and compositional processes surrounding an early Romantic masterpiece: one that might well serve as a model for other studies of similar larger works. For anyone interested in mendelssohn or in the major choral repertoire, the book merits a careful and thoughtful reading.

The American Organist

Reichwald (music history/musicology, Palm Beach Atlantic College) analyzes the oratorio music of Felix Mendelssohn. In the first chapter, he provides a background of this musical form and Mendelssohn's view of sacred music. Next, he discusses the libretti and musical sources and manuscript copies for <Paulus, the five phases of the compositional process, and then the compositional process evident in the individual movements. Finally, he addresses the principles governing the overall development of the work...

Reference and Research Book News - 2001

Reichwald (music history/musicology, Palm Beach Atlantic College) analyzes the oratorio music of Felix Mendelssohn. In the first chapter, he provides a background of this musical form and Mendelssohn's view of sacred music. Next, he discusses the libretti and musical sources and manuscript copies for <Paulus, the five phases of the compositional process, and then the compositional process evident in the individual movements. Finally, he addresses the principles governing the overall development of the work...

From the Publisher

Reichwald (music history/musicology, Palm Beach Atlantic College) analyzes the oratorio music of Felix Mendelssohn. In the first chapter, he provides a background of this musical form and Mendelssohn's view of sacred music. Next, he discusses the libretti and musical sources and manuscript copies for , the five phases of the compositional process, and then the compositional process evident in the individual movements. Finally, he addresses the principles governing the overall development of the work. 2001

Reference and Research Book News

Reichwald (music history/musicology, Palm Beach Atlantic College) analyzes the oratorio music of Felix Mendelssohn. In the first chapter, he provides a background of this musical form and Mendelssohn's view of sacred music. Next, he discusses the libretti and musical sources and manuscript copies for , the five phases of the compositional process, and then the compositional process evident in the individual movements. Finally, he addresses the principles governing the overall development of the work. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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