Description
Book SynopsisBeller-McKenna counters music historians's reluctance to address Brahms's Germanness, wary perhaps of fascist implications. He gives an account of the intertwining of nationalism, politics, and religion that underlies major works, and enriches both our understanding of his art and German culture.
Trade ReviewBrahms and the German Spirit is...an earnest study of the subject of religion and nationalism in Brahms's life. Daniel Beller-McKenna has woven a coherent tapestry from many strands. -- Styra Avins * Music and Letters *
Beller-McKenna's writing style is engaging, and his background material is comprehensive, with many sources in both historical and modern writings...A worthy contribution to Brahms scholarship, and to a better-rounded view of the composer's life and work. -- Virginia Hancock * Notes *
Table of ContentsPreface 1. Introduction: Brahms and the German Spirit 2. Religion, Language, and Luther's Bible 3. Ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45, and the Apocalyptic Paradigm 4. The Triumphlied, Op. 55, and the Apocalyptic Moment 5. Gebet einer Konig: National Prayers in the Fest- und Gedenkspruche, Op. 109 6. Beyond the End Appendix: Longer Musical Examples Notes Index
