Shakespeare and Music

A collection of critical essays that surveys the musical elements in Shakespeare's plays, examining songs, incidental scores, and musical settings associated with individual dramas. The author analyzes how music functions within scenes, traces historical and compositional connections, and discusses works by composers who drew on Shakespearean subjects or whose overtures and incidental pieces have been paired with productions. Entries treat individual plays in turn, describe representative songs and orchestrations, and offer commentaries on performance practice and notable musical settings. The final sections compile the plays' songs and provide an index for reference.