Sound Within Sound: A History of Radical Twentieth Century Composers

A radical new book by Kate Molleson challenges the way we think about classical music and the musicians who made it on a global scale. It explores the stories of ten figures who altered the course of musical history but were sidelined and denied recognition during an era that favored certain sounds and people. The book is a celebration of radical creativity rooted in ideas of protest, gender, race, ecology, and resistance and offers an energetic reappraisal of twentieth-century classical music that opens up the world beyond its established centers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

A groundbreaking new book by journalist, critic, and BBC Radio 3 broadcaster Kate Molleson, which fundamentally transforms our understanding of classical music and the musicians who have shaped its global reputation.

Wonderful. This is a book of discovery that speaks of music as a life force, urging us to embrace its transformative power and live our lives through its melodies.

COSEY FANNI TUTTI

A marvelous book that opens our ears to sonic worlds that will enrich and delight us, wherever and whenever we find ourselves.

IAN McMILLAN

A clear-eyed, utterly fascinating exploration of outsiders in classical music. Molleson's excellent book challenges and enlightens.

SINÉAD GLEESON

This is the impassioned and exhilarating story of the composers who dared to challenge the conventional world of classical music in the twentieth century. Traversing the globe from Ethiopia and the Philippines to Mexico, Jerusalem, Russia, and beyond, journalist, critic, and BBC Radio 3 broadcaster Kate Molleson tells the stories of ten figures who altered the course of musical history, only to be sidelined and denied recognition during an era that systemically favored certain sounds and people over others.

A celebration of radical creativity rooted in ideas of protest, gender, race, ecology, and resistance, Sound Within Sound is an energetic reappraisal of twentieth-century classical music that expands the world far beyond its established centers, challenges stereotypical portrayals of the genre, and shatters its traditional canon.

Sound Within Sound is absolutely inspiring. Everyone who loves music should own this book.

CHARLOTTE HIGGINS

Introduces us to thrilling dreamers from the last century who believed that music could fundamentally and disruptively recalibrate our lives. Molleson's enthusiastic style and eye for detail make this a captivating read.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571363230
Edition number: Main