Vienna’s Golden Years of Music, 1850-1900

xxviii, 342pp, with monochrome illustrations in text.  Quarter round in grey canvas over red textured cloth-covered boards with gilt lettering on the spine.  8vo.  Cloth a little dull, gently rubbed and rounded at corners and spine ends.  Top text block edge dust darkened.  Slight foxing on endpapers else internally neat, clean, bright and tight. In its original paper dust jacket, worn, price clipped, chapped around edges with visible shelf wear and light toning on verso.

No critic in the history of music has held such power and influence as Hanslick.  He operated in Vienna, during its golden years of music – when that capital of music was first hearing the works of Richard Wagner whom Hanslick considered a talented menace, of Brahms, whom Hanslick disdained, and Strauss.  Hanslick is often seen as a bigoted reactionary – here, for the first time – that view is challenged as Hanslick himself tells the story, and of the glory, of Vienna’s golden musical experience.