Book Review

The Gesualdo Hex: Music, Myth, and Memory
by Glenn Watkins

This wonderfully deep book begins with an examination of the life and music of Gesualdo, and then becomes a wonderful exploration of the connections between this Renaissance composer, Schoenberg, Stravinsky, and modern music as well as why and how Gesualdo and his music continue to resonate with modern musicians and composers. It's completely fascinating.
I especially loved how Watkins wove everything together to create a very compelling look at how the past interacts with the present and what that means for art, artists, and the way we find meaning in them both. It's clear that Watkins not only really knows his subject matter but also really loves it - the writing, while on the scholarly side, really drew me in and kept me thinking. I know that I will keep thinking about this book and coming back to the ideas it contains.