The biographies of three composers who, in this century, have dominated the mainstream development of German music are contained in this book: Paul Hindemith (1895-1963), Karl Amadeus Hartmann (1905-63) and Hans Werner Henze (b. 1926). Despite markedly different approaches (and political sensibilities) all three have united experimentation with traditional (German) expression. Hartmann has remained an influence on Henze's music while both were influenced early in their careers by Hindemith. Although born at different times, coming from different backgrounds and locations, there are parallels between their careers, particularly during the crucial period when the Nazis were in power and in the aftermath of the German defeat. All three suffered exile or alienation from German life: Hindemith on musical, rather than ideological, grounds; Hartmann remaining in Germany but refusing to have anything to do with the Nazis or their musical establishment; and Henze, disgusted at the state of the emergent Federal Republic of West Germany after the war, leaving for Italy where he has lived ever since. This text is part of the 20th-century composers series, examining composers in a biographical context, and offering a comprehensive study of key figures in the creation of 20th-century music. None of the books in the series presume a knowledge of specialized terms or musical notation. Each book in discography.

Author Biography

Guy Rickards is a freelance writer on music. He contributes regularly to numerous publications including Gramophone, Contemporary Music Review, BBC Music Magazine and the Guardian.