Music and the European Mind, by Wilfrid Dunwell, Ph.D., 13.A., Mus.B. (Herbert Jenkins, 25s.). THIS absorbing book is described by its author as "an outline of the relation of music and the other arts to the ways of life, the thought and the beliefs of the peoples of Europe". Dr. Dunwell is a lucid and knowledgeable writer so he does not dismay or baffle his readers with erudition.
Basically, he seeks to show how historical and religious factors contribute to the development of music throughout European history. Some chapter headings illustrate his approach : "The Dark Ages and the Northern Races", "The Renaissance outside Italy" and "Music and Art in the Baroque Era".
Byrd, Britten and Bax are three of the English composers mentioned.
WILLIAM VARCOE