American Pioneers: Ives To Cage And Beyond; Author: Rich, Alan; Paperback

Author: Rich, Alan
Paperback; 100 B&w and Duotone Illustrations, Bibliography, D
240 pages
Published: October 1995
Phaidon Press Ltd
ISBN: 0714831735

A spirit of innovation has flourished in American music since the turn of the twentieth century, with composers anxious to throw off the shackles of the European masters and invent new musical languages. Charles lves captured this early pioneering flair, taken up later by Henry Cowell and John Cage; all initially met with much critical resistance. The same exploratory driving force is equally strong in the music of Carl Ruggles, Edgard Varese, Harry Partch, Colin McPhee, Lou Harrison and members of America's youngest composing generation.A study of experimental and innovative American music in the 20th century, with biographies, evaluation and discography of its pioneering composers. Featured composers include Charles Ives, Henry Cowell and John Cage.