Bernhard Lang: Critical Guides to Contemporary Composers

Bernhard Lang's Critical Guides to Contemporary Composers provides a critical guide and introduction to the work of Austrian composer Bernhard Lang (b. 1957). It identifies the phenomenon of repetition as a central concern in Lang's thinking and making, and explores the heavily trans-medial nature of the repeat across domains such as literature, dance, and theatre. It also investigates Lang's use of textual quotation and musical borrowing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Intellect Books

Bernhard Lang: Critical Guides to Contemporary Composers provides a comprehensive and insightful introduction to the remarkable work of Austrian composer Bernhard Lang (b. 1957). This book delves into the core of Lang's artistic philosophy, highlighting the phenomenon of repetition as a central theme in his thinking and creative process. Lang's artistic practice is characterized as "loop aesthetics," a unique creative poetics where repetition manifests as both a methodological tool and a vital material, language, and subject matter.

The book is organized around four central thematic nodes: philosophy, music, theatre, and politics. It begins by introducing Lang as a composer deeply influenced by philosophical ideas, and then proceeds to develop a comprehensive typology of musical repetition as it unfolds throughout his oeuvre. Through a detailed exploration of Lang's works, the book sheds light on the pervasive nature of repetition across various artistic domains, including literature, dance, and theatre. Furthermore, it investigates Lang's innovative use of textual quotation and musical borrowing, adding depth and complexity to his artistic language.

Christine Dysers, a renowned musicologist specializing in contemporary music aesthetics, is the author of this groundbreaking study. Her research revolves around themes such as repetition, politics, absence, the liminal, and the uncanny. This book represents the first comprehensive examination of Bernhard Lang's works and serves as a valuable addition to the Critical Guides to Contemporary Composers series, published by Intellect.

Dimension: 244 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789387636
Edition number: New ed