Four last songs
Subtitle: aging and creativity in Verdi, Strauss, Messiaen, and Britten
By: Linda Hutcheon and Michael Hutcheon
Contributors: Hutcheon, Michael, 1945- author
Publisher: University Of Chicago Press
Published: 2015
Language: eng
Number of pages: 151
ISBN-13: 9780226255590
Subjects: Last years; Composers; Aging; Analysis, appreciation; Operas; Psychological aspects; Creative ability in old age; Biography
Description: Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), Richard Strauss (1864-1949), Olivier Messiaen (1908-92), and Benjamin Britten (1913-76) all wrote operas late in life, pieces that reveal unique responses to the challenges of growing older. For all four composers, far from sapping their creative power, age provided impetus for some of their best accomplishments. Four last songs provides a valuable look at the challenges--and opportunities--that present themselves as artists grow older
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Setting the stage; title: Creative responses to the challenges of aging; title: Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) : a generational tale of cultural nationalism; title: Richard Strauss (1864-1949) : a life review in music; title: Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) : faith in God and art; title: Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) : the life narratives of the ever-young "working composer"; title: Conclusion. The particularities of aging and creativity.