Composers of Classical Music of Jewish Descent (Hardcover)

This volume describes, and attempts to assess and explain the relative preponderance of composers of Jewish descent, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. The first part of the book includes two chapters giving a brief history of composers of Jewish descent from biblical times to the present day. The impact of Jewish emancipation and improvements in civil rights throughout the diaspora is discussed. The third chapter attempts to assess the importance of such composers of classical music during the 19th and 20th centuries, and tries to explain their relative preponderance. Is this due to nature or nurture (inheritance or upbringing) or a combination of both? The views of other musicians, philosophers and scientists regarding these issues are considered. The fourth chapter, on Jewish consciousness shows that although many composers of Jewish descent have abandoned their faith or that of their forbears, the majority are nevertheless conscious of their Jewish heritage. This is often reflected in their outlook and compositions.