Alison Garnham

Hans Keller (1919-85), musician and writer, dominated British musical life during the 40 years that followed the Second World War. His original and stimulating ideas made a deep impression on creative musicians and ordinary music-lovers alike. This influence was greatly magnified by the 30 years that he spent as an active broadcaster, 20 of them on the staff of the BBC.This unique study of Keller's BBC work is a vivid portrait of the changing face of British broadcasting seen through the work of one of its most significant personalities. Starting with an examination of Keller's early psychological interests, and the evolution of his method of 'functional analysis' of music (with which the BBC was intimately concerned), the book charts the huge contribution Keller made to British music during his BBC years. Also explored in detail are the successive crises of the Third Programme and its replacement by Radio 3, together with Keller's leading role in opposing the decline of the BBC's cultural idealism.Drawing on a wealth of primary sources, much of which has never been previously examined, this study paints a striking picture of Keller's personality in combination with the BBC's turbulent inner workings, showing the effect of one remarkable individual on the most powerful musical institution in 20th-century Britain.

The Musical Conscience of British Broadcasting, 1959-79

Hans Keller and the BBC

Susi Woodhouse

Hans Keller 1919–1985: A musician in dialogue with his times is the first full biography of Hans Keller and the first appearance in print of many of his letters. Eight substantial chapters, integrating original documents with their historical context, show the development of Keller’s ideas in response to the people and events that provoked them. A musician of penetrating insight, Keller was also an exceptional writer and broadcaster, whose remarkable mind dominated British musical life for forty years after the Second World War. It was a vital time for music in Britain, fuelled by unprecedented public investment in the arts and education and the rapid development of recording and broadcasting. Keller was at the centre of all that was happening and his far-sighted analysis of the period is deeply resonant today. Illustrated throughout by extracts from Keller’s writings, diaries and correspondence with musicians including Arnold Schoenberg, Benjamin Britten and Yehudi Menuhin, this book vividly conveys the depth of his thought and the excitement of the times. Published for the centenary of Keller’s birth, it is an illuminating celebration of his life and works for all those interested in the music and history of post-war Britain.

A musician in dialogue with his times

Hans Keller 1919 - 1985

Mike Shaw

STEWART

Jonathan Bradshaw

Ruth Lister

DAVIE

EXLEY

LLOYD

Improving Children's Life Chances

Alison Garnham

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