Music in the Age of the Renaissance
A considerable amount of research has been done in the 45 years since Gustave Reese's comprehensive survey Music in the Renaissance (1954) was published. To bring the subject up to date requires a music historian with a broad understanding of political, religious, and cultural history, and Perkins (music, Columbia Univ.) has proven himself equal to the task. He has produced an extraordinary exposition of the period, placing music in its social setting with close attention to detail and a gift for incorporating interesting stories into the narrative. The study is well written and truly comprehensive. Perkins is careful to separate known fact from areas still under investigation, prudently taking a conservative position on controversial issues. Paintings, maps, charts, and tables are used to clarify the various points, and numerous well-chosen musical examples enhance detailed analyses of selected works. Essential for the serious student of music history.?Timothy J. McGee, Univ. of TorontoCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.