The early music revival : a history / Harry Haskell.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 216-223) and index.

"To what extent is it possible, or desirable, to perform music from an earlier era as it s creator intended it to be performed? This, the central question posed by the historical performance movement, has become one of the most controversial issues in contemporary music-making. Uncovering the riches of the wary music repertory has developed from a cult phenomenon into a major industry, with performer-scholars such as Christopher Hogwood, Nikolaus Harnoncourt and John Eliot Gardiner establishing worldwide reputations.
Harry Haskell has now written the first comprehensive historical study of the early music revival, tracing its origins back beyond nineteenth century antiquarianism to the eighteenth century. Based on extensive original research, as well as interviews with leading artists and scholars in Europe and the United States, his account scrutinizes major figures and trends in the revival, and assesses the remarkable impact they have had - and continue to have - on mainstream musical life." -- Dust jacket inside cover.