Song: A History in 12 Parts

John Potter's "Songs" explores the European song tradition, from the Middle Ages to the present, featuring twelve key works and revealing the authors and meanings behind them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

From one of our most innovative singers, a vibrant history of song stretching from Hildegard von Bingen and Benjamin Britten to Björk, comes a captivating account of the European art form. The form has captivated audiences and excited performers for centuries, from the music of the troubadours and the Christian liturgy through classical composers such as Bach and Schumann up to Britten, Berio, and the rise of popular music.

In this celebratory account, author and singer John Potter tells the European story of song. The form has captivated audiences and excited performers for centuries, from the music of the troubadours and the Christian liturgy through classical composers such as Bach and Schumann up to Britten, Berio, and the rise of popular music.

Choosing twelve key works, Potter offers a personal tour through this vital tradition, from John Dowlands "Flow My Tears" to George Gershwins "Summertime." Throughout, he reveals who wrote and sang these joyful masterpieces—and what they mean to singers and audiences today.

This rich and informative book is a must-read for music lovers and enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the enduring power and beauty of song throughout history.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300263534