This reference book comprises individual studies of all of Schubert's solo, dramatic and multi-voice settings of Goethe's poems. Lorraine Byrne examines the myths that have evolved around these artists, and explores Schubert's reading and interpretation of Goethe's texts.
'In tackling one of the most widespread prejudices about Goethe - namely, his lack of musicality - Lorraine Byrne has succeeded both in correcting a common misunderstanding and in presenting a comparative reading which will engage a multidisciplinary readership.' R. H. Stephenson, William Jacks Professor of German Language and Literature, University of Glasgow, UK 'For a century and more, Goethe has often been harshly criticized by musicologists for his supposed lack of musical understanding and his failure to respond to Schubert's songs. In this valuable study, Lorraine Byrne dismantles the clichés and legends to reveal a poet who cared enormously about music and a composer whose elective affinities with Goethe ran deep. In doing so, she discusses Schubert's choices of Goethe's poetry, his repeated revisions and re-compositions of certain poems, the circle of friends who also venerated Goethe, the reasons for Goethe's lack of response to Schubert, and much more. The relationship between the literary giant and the musical one turns out to be far more complex-and more interesting--than some have supposed.' Professor Susan Youens, University of Notre Dame, USA '... [the] book presents a wealth of fascinating information about Goethe's poetic development, his understanding of word-music relationships, his interactions with composers, and the array of ideas and influences that informs his verse - a welcome contribution to lied studies... The immense breadth of knowledge that Byrne brings to bear on Goethe's texts enhances understanding of Schubert's settings. Musicologists, performers, and others drawn to Schubert's lieder will benefit from the author's literary expertise... Schubert's Goethe Settings represents a valuable addition to Schubert scholarship, especially for its wealth of information about Goethe's poetry... it will serve as a useful reference book for scholars and performers alike.' Notes
