Life and Music of John Field 1782-1837

The Life and Music of John Field offers a deep exploration of one of the most enigmatic and underappreciated figures in Western music history. John Field, the Irish-born composer credited with pioneering the nocturne, remains shrouded in mystery and often misrepresented in historical accounts. This book addresses the persistent inaccuracies surrounding his life, from misunderstandings about his personal relationships to errors about his geographical movements and professional legacy. By meticulously revisiting original sources—biographies, letters, and first-hand accounts—the author attempts to unravel the true narrative of Field's life, dispelling myths perpetuated by earlier writers and examining his career within the broader context of 19th-century music.

Central to the book is a discussion of Field's musical innovations, particularly his development of the nocturne genre, which profoundly influenced composers like Chopin and Liszt. The text critiques the distortions of Field's compositions over time, such as overwrought arrangements and "revisions" that strayed far from his original intentions. Yet, it also celebrates a resurgence of interest in his music among contemporary pianists, emphasizing the subtlety and poetic quality of Field's works. By balancing historical inquiry with musical analysis, The Life and Music of John Field serves as both a definitive biography and a passionate call to re-examine the contributions of a composer whose legacy deserves greater recognition.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1973.