- Paperback: 144 pages
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2nd edition (July 29 1988)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0521368634
- ISBN-13: 978-0521368636
- Product Dimensions: 20.9 x 14.9 x 0.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 204 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,278,657 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Review
"A fine compact guide for intellectual listeners about to hear any of Mahler's works in concert or on recordings." Choice
Book Description
Originally published by Faber and Faber, this new edition is a one-volume study of Mahler by one of his most learned and enthusiastic devotees. Following Cooke's death, the manuscript was prepared by Colin and David Matthews who updated the text, taking into account recent Mahler research, and incorporating Cook's later writings on Mahler.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
THE belated recognition of Mahler as one of the great symphonist is among the most remarkable features of our post-war musical life. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
THE belated recognition of Mahler as one of the great symphonist is among the most remarkable features of our post-war musical life. Read the first page
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Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic And A Great Introduction To Mahler's Music,
By NNNNN "xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" (xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gustav Mahler: An Introduction to his Music (Paperback)
Musicologist and critic Deryck Cooke had that rare ability to communicate his enthusiasm for music and literature that would appeal to both the specialist and the layman. His tastes were vast and he could write about such diverse subjects as Delius' Violin Concerto, the works of the Brontes and the songs of Lennon and McCartney. He is perhaps best remembered for his (in his words) "performing version of the sketches of Mahler's 10th Symphony". He always made that distinction as he made it quite clear that only Mahler could complete the symphony. That he could even perform such a feat is a clear indication of his knowledge and love of Mahler's music. This present volume of his written as an introduction to Mahler's music has become a classic that still retains its freshness after 25 years. His clear writing style skillfully guides the listener through even the most thorniest aspects of Mahler's music. A book that should be on the shelf of any lover of Mahler's music or those approaching him afresh who want a sure and knowledgeable guide.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Concise but Creditable,
By
This review is from: Gustav Mahler: An Introduction to his Music (Paperback)
Cooke has an insight into the works and personality of Mahler as the 'completer' of his Tenth Symphony. This book is a brief guide of the life and works of the composer. Interesting biographical detail is interspersed with information about each symphony. The inclusion of the text of the songs is a helpful addition as are the words of Mahler's earliest symphonic composition 'Das Klagende Lied.' Certainly a work that can be read and re-read with pleasure.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews) 18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Concise but Creditable,
By Dr. Jean-marc Alter - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Gustav Mahler: An Introduction to his Music (Paperback)
Cooke has an insight into the works and personality of Mahler as the 'completer' of his Tenth Symphony. This book is a brief guide of the life and works of the composer. Interesting biographical detail is interspersed with information about each symphony. The inclusion of the text of the songs is a helpful addition as are the words of Mahler's earliest symphonic composition 'Das Klagende Lied.' Certainly a work that can be read and re-read with pleasure.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Perfect Beginner's Introduction To Mahler,
By Francisco Palafox - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Gustav Mahler: An Introduction to his Music (Paperback)
When I discovered Mahler 25 years ago having listened to his First Symphony, I was immediately hooked; mainly because of the third movement with its weird alternation of the eerie Frére Jacques funeral march and austrian/german town-band music. Of course I wanted to know more about this not-very-popular composer (at least at the time) of whom the most common comment was that his symphonies were gigantic, excessively long "metaphysical" musical excursions. Not really sure of where to go next after what I had listened, I thought the best way was to buy a book about Mahler. Standing at the book store in front of Donald Mitchell's Mahler: The Early Years and Deryck Cook's Mahler: An Introduction To His Music and after briefly leafing through both, I decided to go for Cook's. The book turned out to be the key that opened up Mahler's musical world to me like a treasure chest. Presenting Mahler's basic biographical facts, its main value is that it takes a beginner by the hand through each of his compositions step by step in a concise manner (the book is only 127 pages long). It's the perfect introduction for a beginner; after Cook's book the interested Mahler fan can graduate on to any of the many biographical or analytical books on Mahler. Biographically, De La Grange's of course, is like the Mahler Bible; although rather imposing - 4 volumes, almost 5,000 pages, $100 per volume - for a Mahlerphile it's a must. On the other hand, Donald Mitchell's authoritative and also extensive still-ongoing work on Mahler (3 volumes so far) although excellent, is a more technical work, Mitchell having stated that his intention is not to tread the path that De La Grange has already trodden. If you want to enter Mahler's world, think no more, Cook's book remains the best introduction for a beginner: accesible, concise and cheap. Highly recommended!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A guidebook for listening to Mahler,
By Mr John Haueisen - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Gustav Mahler (Paperback)
There are many books on my favorite composer, Gustav Mahler.This one is geared specifically to explaining each of his compositions, rather than just providing his biography. It also provides the words to Mahler's works, in both the original German, and in good English translations, side by side. Look to one of the many excellent books on Mahler, if you want to find out more about the man and his life. This book is the indispensable, quick source for information on his music. Have it at hand, as you listen to a symphony, or any of the lovely songs on which Mahler based those symphonies. It's especially useful to read the page or two commentary on each symphony, just before you listen to it. You'll get much more out of the music with a better understanding. |
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