Monteverdi: Creator of Modern Music

Leo Schrade's book is the first comprehensive work on Monteverdi in English, except for the translation of Henri Prunieres' book (1924, trans]. This will, for a long time, remain the definitive study of Monteverdi. The author gives a clear picture of the character, development, craftsmanship, and peculiar genius of this great man, as well as of his artistic success. He impressively illumines the single-mindedness with which Monteverdi traveled along an undeviating road toward mastership. Before our eyes there rises a human being of ethical greatness and dignity, lucid and warm, entirely devoted his work. This book belongs in the grand tradition of musical biographies with emphasis on style, such as Spitta's and Schweitzer's books on Bach or Einstein's Mozart.