Hanns Eisler's Art Songs

Exploring the intersection of art and politics, this book examines Hanns Eisler's art songs, which reflect the tumultuous political landscape from World War I through the Nazi era and beyond. Rather than providing an escape, Eisler's music engages with nationalist themes, offering a critical response to the times. The narrative progresses from his early works to later settings of Brecht and Hölderlin, culminating in his Serious Songs. Combining musicological insights with practical performance considerations, the author makes the material accessible to readers of all backgrounds.