Debating English Music in the Long Nineteenth Century

The debate about the future of English music in the nineteenth century was influenced by Richard Wagner, but the optimism that England could lead the musical world was short-lived. Critics found English composition lacking, with themes such as materialism and nationalism emerging. The book places the narrative of The English Musical Renaissance within its wider historical context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 18 June 2021
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Throughout the nineteenth century, a fervent debate raged in Britain concerning the future of English music. Just as English music seemed to be making significant strides in quality, the influence of Richard Wagner irrevocably shifted the course of the discourse. Concerned about the Wagnerian impact on English composers, critics expressed relief when that influence seemed to wane, only to later present English music as the cure for Wagnerian decadence. However, the fleeting optimism that England stood poised to dominate the musical world was short-lived, as a new generation of critics emerged, deeming English composition, with the exception of Elgar, severely lacking. This book delves into themes such as materialism and nationalism that emerged during the debate, while also contextualizing the narrative of The English Musical Renaissance within its rightful historical framework.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783276165