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Hans Keller and the BBC

Allen Ginsberg

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Published in Hans Keller And The BBC: The Musical Conscience Of British Broadcasting 1959 1979

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A Life in Music and Ideas

Hans Keller (1919-1985) was one of the most influential music critics of the 20th century. His writings on music, aesthetics, and philosophy are still widely read and admired today. Keller had a long and fruitful relationship with the BBC, working as a music critic, broadcaster, and producer for over 30 years.

Hans Keller and the BBC: The Musical Conscience of British Broadcasting 1959-1979

by A. M. Garnham

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	215 pages

Keller was born in Vienna in 1919. He studied music at the Vienna Conservatory and later at the University of Vienna. In 1938, he fled Austria after the Nazi annexation of the country. He settled in England, where he worked as a music critic for various publications. In 1959, he joined the BBC as a music critic and producer. He quickly became one of the most influential voices in British musical life.

Keller's work at the BBC was wide-ranging. He wrote and presented numerous radio and television programs on music, including the groundbreaking series "The Keller Plan" (1962-1964). He also produced recordings of some of the most important music of the 20th century, including works by Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern. Keller's work at the BBC helped to promote understanding and appreciation of new music in Britain.

In addition to his work at the BBC, Keller was also a prolific writer. He published over 20 books on music, aesthetics, and philosophy. His most important works include The Philosophy of Music (1967),The Art of the Fugue (1980),and Die große Fuge in B-Dur von Beethoven (1983). Keller's writings are characterized by their clarity, wit, and erudition. He was a master of the aphorism, and his writings are full of quotable insights into the nature of music and art.

Keller died in 1985 at the age of 66. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking work in music criticism, broadcasting, and writing. His work at the BBC helped to shape the course of British musical life in the 20th century. He was a true pioneer, and his work continues to inspire and inform musicians and music lovers today.