Publisher's Synopsis
A French Joseph Conrad was the description given to the composer Maurice Ohana (1913-1992) by his friend André Gide. The appellation sums up Ohana?s complex cultural origins: a British citizen born in North Africa of Spanish-Gibraltarian parentage, educated, trained and resident in France. In this rich cultural background lies the key to understanding Ohana?s music. It is, therefore, ironic that this heritage excluded him from the national programming favoured by many British and American concert promoters, and has thereby been one of the primary reasons for the neglect of his music. - - This is the first detailed study of Ohana?s life and music, and the first to identify the procedures which characterise his mature style. Part One of the book provides a biographical overview of the composer and sets his work in its musical and cultural context, in particular examining the images, symbols and allegorical themes that play a substantial role in Ohana?s music. The chapters in Part Two identify and define the main features of his musical language and style. Caroline Rae focuses on the work Signes from 1965 as the crystallisation of Ohana?s mature compositional style. - - Ohana has long been recognised as one of the leading composers of his generation in France. Dr Rae?s exploration and assessment of his music seeks to position Ohana in his rightful place in the musical mainstream and to highlight his most enduring achievements, particularly his contribution to the vocal and choral repertoire.
