Symphonism in Nineteenth-Century Europe

This volume deals, from multiple perspectives, with the complex world of European symphonism during the nineteenth century, a period in which it encompassed not only the creation of musical products and performances, but also significantly affected many compositional approaches, as well as aesthetic factors, such as the opposition between programme and absolute music. The emergence of the great symphony orchestras led to unprecedented types of professional interaction, and new forms of patronage. It also fostered the creation of a specific repertoire, and the construction of the first purpose-built concert halls. These developments originated in Europe at the beginning of the 19th century, in conjunction with the growth of music destined for increasing orchestral formations and the concert as a social phenomenon, available to the common public. About twenty authors discuss in this volume issues about analysis and musical creation, repertoire, musical aesthetics and criticism, orchestras and symphonic ensembles, musical performing venues, production system, consumption, entertainment system and the dissemination and reception of symphonic models in Europe. Through the work of Beethoven, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Mahler, Strauss, among others, the volume addresses these and other aspects across the European geography and in different contexts: Spain, Italy, French, Portugal, United Kingdom, Northern Europe and Eastern Europe.