Musical Portraits : Interpretations of Twenty Modern Composers

"Musical Portraits: Interpretations of Twenty Modern Composers" by Paul Rosenfeld is a journey into the world of early 20th-century music, shining a light on the lives and legacies of influential composers like Wagner and Strauss. It presents an overall view of their achievements, innovations, and the world that shaped their sounds. The book explores how their pieces mirrored and molded society. Rosenfeld begins with Wagner, whose music embodied the spirit of the 1800s, filled with intense feelings such as victory, majesty, painful desire, and a longing for home. It underscores Wagner’s global effect, showing the mix of materialism and deep emotion in his works and highlighting the musical methods he pioneered. This introduction draws a sharp picture of the deep thinking and respect that colors Rosenfeld's examination, a desire to explain the complexities and lasting impact of these key figures in musical history.