Benjamin Britten in Context ed. by Vicki P. Stroeher and Justin Vickers (review)

collection has successfully overcome that binary. Overall, the book contains a magnificent selection of well-researched scholarly articles and works well as a collection. Often edited collections can seem like a mishmash of tenuously linked articles, but I did not get that impression from this collection. With a solid amount of music analysis, this collection will be particularly useful to music analysts, music historians, and general music enthusiasts. The collection not only provides stimulating new insights into Medtner’s life and works but also captures his musical and philosophical transitions in his move from Moscow to London. While the preface could have been more detailed in its contextualization, drawing upon themes that are referenced across the collection of the articles and illustrating the wider cultural trends across the arts in this period, this should not detract from the overall contribution of each author. Indeed, the collection of essays sheds new light on the intricacies of Medtner’s life and works and illustrates the parallels between his music and his musical and religious philosophy. It is well researched, engaging, and successfully draws upon a number of important themes for further scholarly discussion.