ECU Libraries Catalog

American experimental music, 1890-1940 / David Nicholls.

Author/creator Nicholls, David, 1955-
Format Book and Print
Publication InfoCambridge [England] ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 1990.
Descriptionxiv, 239 pages : illustrations, music ; 26 cm
Subject(s)
Contents Introduction. The new and the experimental -- In Re Con Moto Et Al: experimentalism in the works of Charles Ives -- 'On dissonant counterpoint': the development of a new polyphony, primarily by Charles Seeger, Carl Ruggles and Ruth Crawford -- New musical resources: radical innovation in the music of Henry Cowell -- 'The future of music: Credo': the development of a philosophy of experimentation in the early works of John Cage -- Conclusion. Unity through diversity.
Abstract From the end of the nineteenth century a national musical consciousness gradually developed in the USA as composers began to turn away from the European conventions on which their music had hitherto been modelled. It was in this period of change that experimentation was born. In this book, the author considers the most influential figures in the development of American experimental music, including Charles Ives, Charles Seeger, Ruth Crawford, Henry Cowell, and the young John Cage. He analyses the music and ideas of this group, explaining the compositional techniques invented and employed by them and the historical and cultural context in which they emerged.
General noteRevision of author's thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Cambridge, 1985.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 222-230) and index.
LCCN 89000563
ISBN0521345782

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk ML200.5.N55 1990 ✔ Available Place Hold