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Composing in Words: William Alwyn on his Art
An anthology of the writings of the English composer William Alwyn [1905-85].
The English composer William Alwyn was not only one of the most versatile creative figures of his age, writing music for the concert hall, recital room, operatic stage and film screen; he was also a virtuoso instrumentalist and conductor, the teacher of some of the most important composers of the succeeding generation, and the founder of a number of influential music committees such as the Composers' Guild of Great Britain. Alwyn was a gifted writer, too,alive to literature and art - especially pre-Raphaelite painting, on which he was an authority - as well as to music, and Composing in Words presents his most important the autobiographical essay Winged Chariot; the diary, Ariel to Miranda, in which he chronicled the composition of his Third Symphony; an extract from Early Closing, Alwyn's reminiscences of his Northampton childhood; and essays on film music, and on other composers, among them Elgar, Bax and Puccini.
The English composer William Alwyn was not only one of the most versatile creative figures of his age, writing music for the concert hall, recital room, operatic stage and film screen; he was also a virtuoso instrumentalist and conductor, the teacher of some of the most important composers of the succeeding generation, and the founder of a number of influential music committees such as the Composers' Guild of Great Britain. Alwyn was a gifted writer, too,alive to literature and art - especially pre-Raphaelite painting, on which he was an authority - as well as to music, and Composing in Words presents his most important the autobiographical essay Winged Chariot; the diary, Ariel to Miranda, in which he chronicled the composition of his Third Symphony; an extract from Early Closing, Alwyn's reminiscences of his Northampton childhood; and essays on film music, and on other composers, among them Elgar, Bax and Puccini.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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May 26, 2025
Fans of this underrated composer will find much to enjoy in this collection of essays and lecture transcripts. The highlight, which occupies the majority of this book, is the diary that Alwyn kept in 1955-6 while composing his third symphony. A fascinating glimpse into the world of British music, art and filmmaking in the 50s. Also a peek into the social scene of the music set.
Alwyn has something to say about many composers, from Elgar and Puccini to Bax and Rubbra and is mostly effusive in his praise. A solid collection of writings. His music deserves a wider audience.
Alwyn has something to say about many composers, from Elgar and Puccini to Bax and Rubbra and is mostly effusive in his praise. A solid collection of writings. His music deserves a wider audience.
Displaying 1 of 1 review