Examines how everything from the cult of the romantic to technology and travel all fed the inexorable rise of music in the West, making it the most dominant and ubiquitous of the art forms.

Presents one of the most extraordinary periods in European history - from the battered, introvert continent after the 30 Years War to the dynamic one that experienced the French Revolution and the wars of Napoleon. This title explores an era of unprecedented change, growth and cultural, political and technological ferment that shaped societies.

The power and prestige of music in the modern world has given its practitioners extraordinary wealth and moral authority. This is taken for granted now and yet for much of Europes history musicians have been mere servants. The rise of music and musicians in the West is the subject of Tim Blannings fascinating new book, from poorly-paid balladeers to music-masters employed by fickle patrons, to the

The power and prestige of music in the modern world has given its practitioners extraordinary wealth and moral authority. This book deals with the subject of the rise of music and musicians in the West from poorly-paid balladeers to music-masters employed by fickle patrons, to the great composers of genius, to various rock stars.

Brings together two of the most popular, innovative, and controversial fields of historical study: cultural history, and the history of nationalism. Featuring eleven chapters, this work discusses the public sphere, music, the visual arts, political culture, literature, the role of the state, and national languages of Europe.