Beyond Fingal's Cave: Ossian in the Musical Imagination

Demonstrates the profound impact of The Poems of Ossian on composers of the Romantic Era and later: Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Massenet, and many others.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The Poems of Ossian, a collection of purported ancient Scottish poems published in the 1760s, had a profound impact on composers of the Romantic Era and beyond. This literary work inspired poets, artists, and composers across Europe and North America to break away from the formalism of the Enlightenment. The admiration for Ossian's poems, shared by figures such as Napoleon, Goethe, and Thomas Jefferson, played a significant role in the development of Romanticism and the music that became a central part of it.

James Porter's book, "Beyond Fingal's Cave: Ossian in the Musical Imagination," is the first study in English to explore the musical compositions inspired by these poems. Porter delves into the traditional sources used by James Macpherson, the author of the prose poems that first brought Ossian to the world's attention. He also examines crucial works by composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Massenet, who were deeply influenced by the poems.

What makes this book particularly noteworthy is its exploration of the lesser-known composers who were also moved by Ossian's poetry. Many of these composers, whose names may be unfamiliar to modern audiences, wrote operas, cantatas, songs, and instrumental pieces that were equally evocative and well-worth performing and recording. Their contributions to the musical landscape of the Romantic Era are significant and deserve to be recognized.

Through his meticulous research and analysis, James Porter sheds light on the enduring influence of The Poems of Ossian on the musical imagination of composers throughout history. His book not only provides a valuable insight into the creative process of these composers but also highlights the rich and diverse musical heritage that emerged from their inspiration.

In conclusion, "Beyond Fingal's Cave: Ossian in the Musical Imagination" is a groundbreaking work that explores the profound impact of The Poems of Ossian on composers of the Romantic Era and beyond. Porter's meticulous research and analysis provide a valuable contribution to our understanding of the musical world and the enduring legacy of Ossian's poetry. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, music, and cultural history.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648250347