The nineteenth-century German view of British music can be summarized by the notorious statement "A land without music." During the twentieth century British musicians of outstanding talent have emerged and regained for themselves an honorable place on the map of musical nations. From Elgar to Britten, from Vaughan Williams to P. Maxwell Davies, this book charts out and surveys the development of modern music in Britain.

It also provides background information concerning the English musical past, folk and traditional music, and the influence of various continental developments, such as impressionism and serialism.

In crisply written chapters Otto Karolyi introduces the reader to the various features that give modern British music its particular character.

For example, in the chapter titled "The Past into the Present," British choral tradition, carol singing, the beginning of musical scholarship, and so on, are discussed in order to furnish the reader with those essential fundamentals that, in one way or another, have contributed to the rise of what is now largely referred to as the Second British Musical Renaissance.

Above all, the book examines in a concise manner the most important practitioners of this art form which has been designated by some as the "Cinderella of the arts.".

The works of thirty composers are discussed in light of their respective backgrounds, sources of influences, and achievements. Although critical comments and observations are made, the tone of writing is characterized by empathy and the desire to share a better understanding of the delights of modern British music with the reader.

A glossary has been prepared to help readers who are unfamiliar with the musical terminology used in the book, and a carefully selected bibliography guides the reader toward further references.

This book is a didactic homage to the greatness of British music. Armed with the information given, the reader will not only be able to gain an overall view of British music during this century but will be encouraged to listen attentively to the compositions discussed, thus gaining a better aural understanding of the nature of a fascinating musical culture. After all, any verbal approach about music is to help the reader turn to the music itself.