Liverpool-born composer and pianist, John McCabe, who is now into his seventh decade, has established himself as one of Britain's most recorded contemporary composers as well as a celebrated performer and recording artist. This book covers every aspect of his compositions and will help guide both general and specialist listeners and performers through the so-called landscapes of the mind that his music evokes. The title was suggested by McCabe himself and his composing and performing life has taken him on journeys all over the world through a variety of landscapes, many of which are to be found in essence in his music. The detailed discography will help readers to find recordings of many of the works described in the series of articles written by a collection of experienced critics, performers, broadcasters and reviewers, and the copious illustrations and full pages of musical score provide a variety of insights into McCabe's life and work.

Contents: Foreword, Dr Vernon Handley CBE; Preface; The early years, George Odam; The professional years, Guy Rickards; Symphonic and concertante works, Paul Conway; The wind chamber music, Verity Butler; Chamber music for strings, Guy Rickards; Composing processes: an interview with John McCabe, George Odam; The music for brass and wind, Paul Hindmarsh; The piano music, Tamami Honma; The vocal music, John Vorrasi; Music for theatre, film and television, Guy Rickards, Discography; Index.

About the Editor: Professor George Odam formerly based at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, UK.

Reviews: ‘This important book [...] will be eagerly sought out by all those many readers interested in John McCabe and his music. It is highly recommended.’ British Music Society Newsletter

‘ … a charming compilation … an attractive evocation of this attractive man now in his 70th year.’ Birmingham Post

‘Landscapes of the Mind is a timely and useful book [...] and will prove valuable in widening knowledge about its subject.’ Liverpool Daily Post

‘… of real value to [...] people who love his music.’ Classical Music, 4-star rating

‘To say that this will remain the standard book on McCabe for many years to come is to state the obvious. Perhaps its finest achievement is that it spurs one to explore more of his music: to seek out recordings and performances, or better still to study and perform it oneself: timely encouragement as the composer now enters his 70th year.’ Tempo

‘Landscapes of the Mind is destined to become the standard reference book on McCabe for the forseeable future... The portrait of McCabe offered here is one of a serious artist, an important advocate for a range of composers spanning several centuries, a gifted performer and composer, and an excellent role model.’ Music and Letters

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Extracts from this title are available to view:

Full contents list

Preface

Index