Quasi una fantasia

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Quasi una Fantasia features Adorno's selection of essays and journalism spanning over three decades, showcasing analytical depth comparable to his works on modern music and notable composers. Its unique range of themes—from Mozart to Boulez and various musical styles—sets it apart in Adorno's oeuvre. Central to the collection are insightful studies of modern music pioneers like Mahler, Schoenberg, and Berg, alongside thoughtful rediscoveries of Zemlinsky and Schreker. Adorno's 'dialectical portrait' of Stravinsky revisits and refines his earlier critiques. The influential essay 'Vers une musique informelle' envisions a future music embracing unrestricted freedom. Additionally, the book includes poignant reflections on earlier works like Bizet's Carmen and Weber's Der Freischutz, as well as a sharp 'Natural History of the Theatre' that examines the rituals of the auditorium. Adorno critiques musical kitsch, addressing pieces such as Gounod's Ave Maria and Tchaikovsky's works, while maintaining that music's human essence allows it to confront inhumanity. This conviction resonates throughout the writings, illustrating the deep connection between music and philosophy, ultimately enriching our understanding of both.