Dangerous Melodies vividly evokes a time when classical music stood
at the center of twentieth-century American life, occupying a
prominent place in the nation's culture and politics. The work of
renowned conductors, instrumentalists, and singers-and the
activities of orchestras and opera companies-were intertwined with
momentous international events, especially the two world wars and
the long Cold War. Jonathan Rosenberg exposes the politics behind
classical music, showing how German musicians were dismissed or
imprisoned during World War I, while numerous German compositions
were swept from American auditoriums. He writes of the accompanying
impassioned protests, some of which verged on riots, by soldiers
and ordinary citizens. Yet, during World War II, those same
compositions were no longer part of the political discussion, while
Russian music, especially Shostakovich's, was used as a tool to
strengthen the US-Soviet alliance. During the Cold War, accusations
of communism were leveled against members of the American music
community, while the State Department sent symphony orchestras to
play around the world, even performing behind the Iron Curtain.
Rich with a stunning array of composers and musicians, including
Karl Muck, Arturo Toscanini, Wilhelm Furtwangler, Kirsten Flagstad,
Aaron Copland, Van Cliburn, and Leonard Bernstein, Dangerous
Melodies delves into the volatile intersection of classical music
and world politics to reveal a tumultuous history of
twentieth-century America.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
