Ian Johnson's evaluation of Alwyn's film music places his
achievement in the context of wider movements within the film
industry. William Alwyn was a leading composer of British film
music in the 1940s and '50s, a time when the British film industry
was at its peak. His scores ranged from documentaries to almost 80
full-length feature films, including classics such as Fires were
Started, Desert Victory, Odd Man Out, The Fallen Idol, and The
History of Mr Polly; he was adept at any musical genre, from
classical to cartoon slapstick, and in the process worked with
legendary directors, including Carol Reed, David Lean, Humphrey
Jennings, and Anthony Asquith. Alone with Vaughan Williams he was
granted the distinction of a separate title credit; columnists
mentioned him alongside Bliss, Bax and Walton. However, as the
reputation of the British film industry declined in the 1950s, so
musical snobbery against those who were its leading lights became
unpleasantly raw. In recent years, however, with sensitive
performances of hisfilm and concert music available on CD, this
most appealing of composers has enjoyed something of a renaissance.
In this long overdue reassessment, Alwyn's films are analysed and
put into the context of his biography,the film industry, and of
society at large: the author shows in particular this remarkably
versatile composer developed a hitherto unrecognised grammar of
film music which enhanced every film on which he worked. He also
examines his work for war propaganda, radio, and the concert hall.
The volume is enhanced by the most complete filmography,
discography, and bibliography of the composer's works yet
published, as well as listings of his concert and radio music.
General
Imprint: |
The Boydell Press
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Release date: |
2006 |
First published: |
2006 |
Authors: |
Ian Johnson
|
Dimensions: |
234 x 156 x 30mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Hardcover - Cloth over boards
|
Pages: |
368 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-84383-159-4 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
1-84383-159-7 |
Barcode: |
9781843831594 |
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