Description
Book SynopsisR. Murray Schafer: A Creative Life is the authoritative exploration of the life and work of this preeminent Canadian composer, artist, educator, and activist. Working closely with the composer and his family, L. Brett Scott has created the most up-to-date and accurate exploration of Schafer. Scott draws on many public and private sources, including the composer’s own journals and correspondence, which have not been previously available to researchers.
Scott discusses Schafer’s extensive writings, including his research writings on Ezra Pound and E. T. A. Hoffmann, and his multiple works of fiction. The volume also includes a detailed summary of Schafer’s work in the field of acoustic ecology and recognition of his role as founder of the World Soundscape Project as well as an overview of his writings on creative music education.
With complete discussions of his theater works, choral compositions, compositions for voice, chamber pieces, orchestral compositions, and early and transitional works and a chronological list of compositions and select discography, this volume presents the most comprehensive study of Schafer and his enduring legacy.
Trade ReviewThis extensive book about R. Murray Schafer – often referred to as Canada’s most famous composer – is a significant because of its comprehensive accounts of his life, his innovative and wide-ranging artistic, scholarly and literary work, and his social conscience -- Barry Traux, professor emeritus, Simon Fraser University
Brett Scott’s book is a masterful examination of the life and creative output of one of Canada’s leading composers, educators, and activists. By weaving together information from R. Murray Schafer’s journals and writings, interviews with the composer and his family, Scott paints a fascinating and honest portrait of this brilliant and complex human being whose artistic gifts continue to astound. This will be the essential resource for scholars seeking information about R. Murray Schafer. -- Hilary Apfelstadt, professor emerita of Choral Studies, The University of Toronto
Table of ContentsPart I – The Biography
Chapter 1 – Family Background, Childhood, Teenage Years and University
Chapter 2 - Uncertainty, the Temporal Muse, and Wanderlust
Chapter 3 – Homecoming and Education from the Other Side
Chapter 4 – Academia, Notoriety, and New Endeavors
Chapter 5 – Country Life, Renewed Creativity, and Change
Chapter 6 - Two Loves, Financial Concerns, and Homeland
Chapter 7 – Solitude, Reconciliation, and New Challenges
Part II – The Writings
Chapter 8 – The Educational Writings
Chapter 9 – The Soundscape Writings
Chapter 10 – Scholarly Writings and Non-Fiction
Chapter 11 – The Works of Fiction
Part III – The Theatrical Works
Chapter 12 – Loving and the non-Patria Works
Chapter 13 – The Patria Cycle
Part IV – The Compositions
Chapter 14 – The Early and Transitional Compositions
Chapter 15 – The Compositions for Choir
Chapter 16 – The Compositions for Voice
Chapter 17 – The Concerti and other Orchestral Works
Chapter 18 – The Chamber, Solo, and Electronic Compositions
Appendix 1 – Chronological List of Compositions
Appendix 2 – Discography
