Hanns Eisler

This volume provides an overview of Eisler's output, from the early compositions and his work as a pupil of Schoenberg, to the development of his individual compositional technique and style. The author balances critical analysis, historical survey and aesthetic argument and includes some of Eisler's own articles and extracts from his conversations. Blake confronts the attitudes of the GDR administration towards this influential composer and shows the valuable insights into the complexities of this century which can be gained from a study of Eisler's life and works, especially from his notation of "applied music" - the linking of music to social and political needs. Also included in this collection of writings by and about Eisler is the publication in English of Eisler's "Faust libretto".