Hymns to the Silence

Name: Hymns to the Silence
Brand: Allen & Unwin
SKU: 9780826429766
Price: 65.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

Inside the Words and Music of Van Morrison

By Peter Mills

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3.92

( 26 ratings, 2 reviews)

Summary

Hymns to the Silence offers a deeply informed exploration of Van Morrison's multifaceted artistry, investigating his work as a singer, performer, lyricist, musician, and writer. The book delves into Morrison's use of voice as an expressive tool, his incorporation of mythology, and his ongoing fascination with America's musical traditions. It also examines Morrison's identity as an Irish writer, highlighting his connections to literary figures like Yeats, Seamus Heaney, James Joyce, and Samuel Beckett. This comprehensive study unpacks the tensions and harmonies central to understanding Morrison's creative legacy.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$65⁹⁹

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Hymns to the Silence

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for scholars and serious fans of Van Morrison, as well as readers interested in popular music studies, Irish literature, and cultural analysis. It suits those who appreciate detailed critical inquiry into the intersections of music, performance, and literary tradition.

In 1991 Van Morrison said, 'Music is spiritual, the music business isn't'. This book investigates the oppositions and harmonies within the work of Van Morrison, proceeding from this identified starting point. It looks at Morrison as a singer. It also looks at how he uses his voice as an interpretive instrument.

A groundbreaking study of every aspect of Van Morrison's artistic career - his influences, lyrical themes, vocal performances, his relationship with America, and more.

Description

Hymns to the Silence is a thoroughly informed and enlightened study of the art of a pop music maverick that will delight fans the world over. In 1991, Van Morrison said, "Music is spiritual, the music business isn't." Peter Mills' groundbreaking book investigates the oppositions and harmonies within the work of Van Morrison, proceeding from this identified starting point.

Hymns to the Silence is a detailed investigative study of Morrison as singer, performer, lyricist, musician and writer, with particular attention paid throughout to the contradictions and tensions that are central to any understanding of his work as a whole. The book takes several intriguing angles.

It looks at Morrison as a writer, specifically as an Irish writer who has recorded musical settings of Yeats poems, collaborated with Seamus Heaney, Paul Durcan and Gerald Dawe, and who regularly drops quotes from James Joyce and Samuel Beckett into his live performances.

It looks at him as a singer, at how he uses his voice as an interpretive instrument. And there are chapters on his use of mythology, on his stage performances, and on his continuing fascination with America and its musical forms.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its scholarly depth and insightful analysis, Hymns to the Silence is celebrated for opening new avenues in music, literary, and Irish studies. Reviewers highlight the book's engaging use of quotes from notable artists and its status as a much-needed academic treatment of Van Morrison's expansive career. It is regarded as an essential contribution that promises to inspire continued interdisciplinary discussions about Morrison's influence and enduring impact.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780826429766

Publisher: Continuum Publishing Corporation

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 April 2010

Country: United States

Imprint: Continuum Publishing Corporation

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Weight: 648g

Pages: 448

Collections

Arts & Culture Non-Fiction Peter Mills

About the Author

Peter Mills is Senior Lecturer in Media & Popular Culture at Leeds Beckett University, UK. He was singer and lyricist for the band Innocents Abroad who made two albums, Quaker City and Eleven. He has taught music, literature and philosophy at universities in the UK, Hungary, Romania and Croatia, and has published work on, amongst others, Samuel Beckett, Olaf Stapledon, Hungarian folk music, Pink Floyd, national anthems and The KLF.