Books in the Music and Literature series

This collection of essays seeks to reflect the many aspects of the life and work of William Walton. The book covers the literary influences in his music, as well as his well-known compositions such as "Belshazzar's Feast", "Troilus and Cressida", and "Facade."

Assesses Messiaen's position as a creative artist of the twentieth century in the light of a research. This volume presents some of the fruits of this research, concentrating on three broad, interrelated areas: Messiaen's relationship with fellow artists; key developments in the composer's musical language and technique, and his influences.

This collection of essays provides insights into Francis Poulenc's world, his particular rapport with painters, writers and fellow musicians, and with the social elite who promoted his music through their salons. It includes discussion of the influence of various artists on his music.

Exploring the many aspects of Erik Satie's creativity, Caroline Potter examines his philosophy and psychology, revealed through his music; Satie's interest and participation in visual and literary artistic media; and his collaborations with other artists. His artistic activity, during a tumultuous time in the Parisian art world.

Erik Satie (1866-1925) was a quirky, innovative and enigmatic composer whose impact has spread far beyond the musical world. As an artist active in several spheres - from cabaret to religion, from calligraphy to poetry and playwriting - and collaborator with some of the leading avant-garde figures of the day, including Cocteau, Picasso, Diaghilev and René Clair, he was one of few genuinely cross-disciplinary composers. His artistic activity, during a tumultuous time in the Parisian art world, situates him in an especially exciting period, and his friendships with Debussy, Stravinsky and others place him at the centre of French musical life. He was a unique figure whose art is immediately recognisable, whatever the medium he employed. Erik Satie: Music, Art and Literature explores many aspects of Satie''s creativity to give a full picture of this most multifaceted of composers. The focus is on Satie''s philosophy and psychology revealed through his music; Satie''s interest in and participation in artistic media other than music, and Satie''s collaborations with other artists. This book is therefore essential reading for anyone interested in the French musical and cultural scene of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.