From Grieg to Brahms: Studies of Some Modern Composers and Their ArtMason, Daniel Gregory
History
From Grieg to Brahms: Studies of Some Modern Composers and Their Art
Mason, Daniel Gregory
Composers -- Biography; Music -- 19th century -- History and criticism
Franck illustrates, then, in many ways, in his erratic treatment of
harmony, in his metrical monotony, and in his «shortness of breath,»
the mystic's failure to master form. And yet, so beautiful are his
effects, so arresting is his personality, one feels instinctively
that there is in him something which destructive criticism cannot
assail. The very inarticulateness of the mystic is, in fact, a sort
of eloquence, perhaps all the more persuasive because it hints at
beauties rather than defines them. However beyond his reach his
aspirations may be, so long as they are genuine and ardent he will
have his unique artistic message. His work will gain a pathetic appeal
from the very fact that it suggests feelings it cannot embody, and his
inarticulateness may even open up ways to new modes of utterance by
reminding men that there are truths other than those their formulas so
smugly stereotype. Thus a writer like Amiel, ineffective as he seems
from one point of view, is not without his liberalizing influence in
literature. In the same way, César Franck, the mystic among musicians,
thanks to his profound insight and emotion, combined though they be
with the characteristic shortcomings of the seer, will widen the scope
of future musical technique and expression.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE.--The Prelude, Choral, and Fugue for Piano are
to be had in the Collection Litolff. The Prelude, Aria, and Finale
are published by J. Hamelle, Paris. These are the only piano pieces
of Franck that are easily obtainable. The house of Hamelle also
issues a four-hand arrangement of the Symphony, and Durand, of Paris,
publishes a four-hand arrangement of the three masterly Chorals for
organ, as well as the original edition of these, and of two sets of
organ pieces, one of six and the other of three. The «Beatitudes»
has been reprinted, with English words, by G. Schirmer. A few of
Franck's songs, particularly «La Procession,» «Panis Angelicus,» and
«Le Mariage des Roses,» will be found in the portfolios of most large
music dealers.
VI
PETER ILYITCH TSCHAÏKOWSKY
[Illustration: PETER ILYITCH TSCHAÏKOWSKY]
VI
PETER ILYITCH TSCHAÏKOWSKY
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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