The "Standard Cantatas" forms the third volume in the uniform series which already includes the now well known "Standard Operas" and the "Standard Oratorios." This latest work deals with a class of musical compositions, midway between the opera and the oratorio, which is growing rapidly in favor both with composers and audiences.
As in the two former works, the subject is treated, so far as possible, in an untechnical manner, so that it may satisfy the needs of musically uneducated music lovers, and add to their enjoyment by a plain statement of the story of the cantata and a popular analysis of its music, with brief pertinent selections from its poetical text.
The book includes a comprehensive essay on the origin of the cantata, and its development from rude beginnings; biographical sketches of the composers; carefully prepared descriptions of the plots and the music; and an appendix containing the names and dates of composition of all the best known cantatas from the earliest times.
This series of works on popular music has steadily grown in favor since the appearance of the first volume on the Operas. When the series is completed, as it will be next year by a volume on the Standard Symphonies, it will be, as the New York 'Nation' has said, indispensable to every musical library.
_Sold by all booksellers, or mailed, post-paid, on receipt of price, by_
A.C. McCLURG & CO., Publishers, Cor. Wabash Ave. and Madison St., Chicago.
LIFE OF LISZT. With Portrait. LIFE OF HAYDN. With Portrait. LIFE OF MOZART. With Portrait. LIFE OF WAGNER. With Portrait. LIFE OF BEETHOVEN. With Portrait.
In cloth, per volume $ .75 The same, in neat box, per set 3.75 In half calf, per set 12.00
Of the "Life of Liszt," the _Herald_ (Boston) says: "It is written in great simplicity and perfect taste, and is wholly successful in all that it undertakes to portray."
Of the "Life of Haydn," the _Gazette_ (Boston) says: "No fuller history of Haydn's career, the society in which he moved, and of his personal life can be found than is given in this work."
Of the "Life of Mozart," the _Standard_ says: "Mozart supplies a fascinating subject for biographical treatment. He lives in these pages somewhat as the world saw him, from his marvellous boyhood till his untimely death."