The vibrant world of jazz may be viewed from many perspectives, from social and cultural history to music analysis, from economics to ethnography. It is challenging and exciting territory. This volume of nineteen specially commissioned essays provides informed and accessible guidance to the challeng[...]

A year-by-year history of people and events, The Chronicle of Jazz tells the whole story of jazz music and its personalities. Each chronologically arranged section contains special features, on topics ranging from the bossa nova craze to jazz in Paris, personality sketches and seminal gigs and album[...]

Widely regarded as one of the greatest choral works of the twentieth century, Britten's War Requiem was first performed at the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral in 1962. It provocatively juxtaposes the vivid anti-war poetry of Wilfred Owen with the Latin Requiem Mass in a passionate outcry [...]

This book is for anyone wanting to get to grips with Britten's music and his eclectic compositional style - crucial reading. It is a fascinating and persuasive blend of documentary and critical study. Benjamin Britten's interest in the musical traditions of the Far East had a far-reaching influence [...]

The history and evolution of jazz from its roots in Africa and the Southern United States showing how jazz has influenced and been influenced by, other musical and artistic forms. Each chronological section contains special features, and a cross-referencing system points to related motifs, people or[...]