Rock and Rhapsodies: The Music of Queen

Queen's music has been captivating audiences since 1973, and Rock and Rhapsodies is the first book to undertake a musicological study of their output. Author Nick Braae provides an in-depth and nuanced analytical account of the group's individual musical style, illuminating the multifaceted stylistic and historical contexts in which their music was created. The book also explores a range of analytical and discursive issues, such as the nature of a musical style, the conceptual relationship between an artist, style, and genre, form in popular songs, and the character and identity of a singing voice.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 13 October 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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Since 1973, Queen has mesmerized audiences with their captivating blend of powerful voices and guitars, expansive and epic song journeys, and charismatic live performances. Rock and Rhapsodies, the first book to delve into a musicological study of the band's extensive output, aims to uncover the essence that gave Queen's songs their enchanting and unique musical identity. Author Nick Braae delves deep into the material written, recorded, and released between 1973 and 1991, providing readers with an in-depth and nuanced analytical account of the group's individual musical style, or idiolect. Through this exploration, Braae illuminates the multifaceted stylistic and historical contexts in which Queen's music was created, shedding light on the band's enduring influence on popular culture.

Aspects of Queen's songs serve as a springboard for exploring a range of analytical and discursive issues. The book delves into the nature of musical style, the conceptual relationship between an artist, style, and genre, the form of popular songs, and the character and identity of a singing voice. Following an introduction and primer on Queen's idiolect, Rock and Rhapsodies unfolds in ten further chapters, each offering a snapshot of a specific musical element, a particular subset of repertoire, or a particular era. These chapters paint a rich and comprehensive picture of Queen's history and their continued presence in popular culture.

Throughout the book, there is an underlying focus on interrogating and substantiating the themes and ideas that emerge from the writing, documentaries, and other media about Queen. Braae employs a variety of analytical tools and close readings of songs to demonstrate how aspects of critical reception align (or not) with musical details. By doing so, Rock and Rhapsodies offers a valuable contribution to the understanding and appreciation of Queen's music, appealing to both music enthusiasts and scholars alike.

In conclusion, Queen's enduring legacy is a testament to their exceptional talent, creativity, and the lasting impact of their music on generations of fans. Rock and Rhapsodies is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the band's musical journey, providing a comprehensive and insightful analysis of their songs and their place in rock history. This book will undoubtedly reward any reader who has a passion for music and a desire to explore the rich tapestry of Queen's artistic brilliance.

\n Weight: 470g\n
Dimension: 168 x 234 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780197526743\n \n