Music in Germany since 1968

This book provides an insightful exploration of German music's evolution since 1968, highlighting key composers and societal influences. Music in Germany since 1968 redefines the historical narrative.

In Music in Germany since 1968, Alastair Williams offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of music in Germany, focusing on the transformative effects of the 1968 social movements. This work not only highlights prominent figures such as Helmut Lachenmann and Wolfgang Rihm but also revisits established composers like Henze, Kagel, and Stockhausen. Williams argues that the societal changes of 1968 marked a significant shift in the musical landscape, prompting a reassessment of traditions and the relationship between music and politics.

The book delves into key themes such as the responses to serialism and the emergence of postmodernism, positioning Lachenmann and Rihm as central figures in these discussions. By examining their contributions alongside their precursors and contemporaries, Williams broadens the narrative of German music, emphasizing the importance of historical inclusion. The analysis of the Darmstadt summer courses further enriches the discourse on contemporary music practices and their evolution.

Additionally, Music in Germany since 1968 addresses the implications of German reunification on the musical scene, framing it within a new chapter of modernism. Williams meticulously redefines the historiography of post-war German music, shifting the focus from the immediate post-1945 reconstruction to the vibrant and dynamic period following 1968. This work is essential for understanding the complexities of contemporary German music and its societal influences.