Art Song Composers of Spain: An Encyclopedia describes the wealth of vocal repertoire composed by 19th- and 20th-century Spanish song composers. More than 90 composers are discussed in detail with complete biographies, descriptions, and examples of the song literature, as well as comprehensive listings of stage works, books, recordings, compositions in non-vocal genres, and vocal repertoire. Opening with a thorough history of Spain and its political scene, author Suzanne Rhodes Draayer examines its relation to song composition and the impact on composers such as Fernando Sor, Sebastian de Iradier, Federico Garcia Lorca, Manuel de Falla, and many others. Draayer discusses Spanish art song and its various types, its folksong influences, and the major and minor composers of each period. Beginning with Manuel Garcia (b. 1775) and ending with Carmen Santiago de Meras (b. 1917), Draayer provides biographies of the composers, a discussion and analysis of songs available in print in the US, and a complete list of solo songs for each. Musical examples are given for 175 songs, demonstrating a variety of compositional techniques and lyrical text settings, and illustrating characteristics of orientalism (Moorish) and cante jondo (gypsy) elements, as well as influences such as the German lied and French melodie. The final chapter lists contemporary composers and considers the difficulties in researching music by women composers. Complete with a foreword by Nico Castel, a bibliography, and additional indexes, Art Song Composers of Spain proves the importance of the Spanish song as an essential part of vocal training and concert repertoire.

About the Author
Suzanne Rhodes Draayer is professor of voice and related studies at Winona State University. She is the author of A Singer's Guide to the Songs of Joaquin Rodrigo (2003) and Canciones de Espana: Songs of Nineteenth-Century Spain Volume 1 (2003), Volume 2 (2005), and Volume 3 (2007).

Reviews
The present volume offers a concise yet detailed survey of Spain's art song from its origins through the compositions of Manuel Garcia, Jose Leon, Fernando Sor and others, to the fruition of the genre in the repertoire of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century composers, including the much-lamented Federico Garcia Lorca....Students of the genre are fortunate that the present study has been entrusted to an author whose background and professional interests eminently qualify her to undertake this task.....The book is a "must" for students of Spanish lyrical song and should be available in any comprehensive music library. -- Peter Wellburn, 2010 * s *
The biographies in this book are quite thorough and Draayer's passion for the subject matter comes through as genuine....Her elegant prose makes the entries compelling and her list of sources guides the interested reader toward more information....This book would be an excellent addition to any scholar's or vocal teacher's library, especially one who seeks to expand beyond the French, German, and Italian offerings. * Notes: Quarterly Journal of the Music Library Association, June 2010 *
The author masterfully encapsulates two centuries of politics and wars in a well-written synopsis, and traces the concurrent development of music in particular, and the arts in general. ... Art Song Composers of Spain is a necessity for every college library, and studio instructors interested in broadening their teaching repertoire should add this book to their shelves. * Journal of Singing, December 2009 *



Book Information
ISBN 9780810863620
Author Suzanne Rhodes Draayer
Format Hardback
Page Count 546
Imprint Scarecrow Press
Publisher Scarecrow Press
Weight(grams) 930g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 163mm * 44mm