The Cambridge companion to Schubert
(Book)

The bicentennial of Schubert's birth prompted this book of readings, which, following an introduction entitled "The Elusive Schubert," by Gibbs (SUNY, Buffalo), is divided into three main sections. In the first, five essays explore the social, cultural, and musical climate in which Schubert lived and worked. The second takes up Schubert's music by genre, with a chapter each on his songs, piano music, chamber music, orchestral music, religious and choral music, and operas. Since Schubert's music defies tidy boundaries, also included in this section is a "social music" essay, in which Margaret Notley takes a revealing look at the dances for piano solo, compositions for four hands at one piano, and part-songs. A final group of four essays looks at the reception of Schubert's music, particularly during the 19th century, and considers performance tradition. In comparison to similar books of readings edited by Eva Badura-Skoda and Peter Branscombe (Schubert Studies, 1982) and by Walter Frisch (Schubert: Critical and Analytical Studies, 1986), Gibbs's volume has a more genial and less technical tone, making it more suitable for undergraduates and general readers. Recommended. M. Meckna; Texas Christian University