Words for Music [Paperback]

First published in 1941, this book examines how poetry might effectively be set to music.First published in 1941, this book examines how poetry might effectively be set to music. The substance of the text was originally delivered as a series of three talks on the BBC in September 1938, and examines the role of the poet in creating a libretto for which music needs to be written.First published in 1941, this book examines how poetry might effectively be set to music. The substance of the text was originally delivered as a series of three talks on the BBC in September 1938, and examines the role of the poet in creating a libretto for which music needs to be written.First published in 1941, this book examines how poetry might effectively be set to music. The substance of the text was originally delivered as a series of three talks on the BBC in September 1938, and examines the role of the poet in creating a libretto for which music needs to be written, as well as W. B. Yeats' enthusiasm for the revival of English song. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the combination of music and words.Introduction; 1. The dispute between music and poetry; 2. The poet's task; 3. The voice of authority; 4. The decline of song; 5. The poet and the theatre; 6. W. B. Yeats and the art of song; Index.