Charles Ives is a pioneering American composer known for his diverse musical output and experimental idiom, which blends elements from various traditions. J. Peter Burkholder's book provides an introduction to Ives' music, discussing forty of his best and most characteristic pieces and their biographical sketches. Burkholder highlights Ives' mastery of different styles and his ability to interweave them in his mature works, making his music accessible to a wide audience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 366 pages
Publication date: 10 April 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Charles Ives, widely recognized as the pioneering American composer of classical music, presents a captivating musical journey that defies expectations. His compositions are characterized by their ability to surprise and engage listeners, with each piece offering a unique and unexpected experience. Despite the challenges of listening to Ives' music, it is a rewarding endeavor that rewards those who take the time to explore it.

Charles Ives: The First Great American Composer of Classical Music

Charles Ives, widely regarded as the first great American composer of classical music, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His diverse musical output and unusual career have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition. However, listening to his music is an adventure that requires a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

One of the most striking aspects of Ives' music is its ability to begin in one place and end in another. His compositions often start with a seemingly unrelated melody or rhythm, and then gradually evolve into something completely different. This can be disorienting for listeners who are accustomed to traditional musical structures, but it is a testament to Ives' creativity and innovation.

Another characteristic of Ives' music is its use of unconventional musical elements. He incorporated elements from American popular music, classical European genres, Protestant church music, and his own unique experimental idiom into his compositions. This blending of different styles creates a rich and diverse sound world that is both challenging and rewarding to listen to.

J. Peter Burkholder, an award-winning music historian, provides an introduction to Ives' diverse musical output and unusual career in his book "Listening to Charles Ives." Burkholder's book is accessible to readers of any background and provides a comprehensive overview of forty of the best and most characteristic pieces of Ives' music.

Burkholder's book explores how Ives mastered each tradition he encountered, from American popular music to classical European genres, from Protestant church music to his own unique experimental idiom. He shows how Ives was able to blend these different styles seamlessly, creating works that are both innovative and timeless.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ives' music is its ability to evoke a sense of place and time. His compositions often depict specific locations and historical events, and the use of specific musical elements can help to transport listeners to those places and times.

For example, Ives' "The Unanswered Question" is a piece that depicts a conversation between a father and son. The music is characterized by a slow, contemplative melody that is interspersed with dissonant chords and rhythms. The piece evokes a sense of introspection and contemplation, and it is a testament to Ives' ability to create music that is both emotionally powerful and intellectually stimulating.

Another notable piece of Ives' music is "The Fourth of July." This piece depicts the celebration of Independence Day in the United States, and the use of patriotic themes and symbols creates a sense of national pride and celebration. The music is characterized by a lively and energetic melody that is interspersed with dissonant chords and rhythms.

Despite the challenges of listening to Ives' music, it is a rewarding endeavor that rewards those who take the time to explore it. Burkholder's book provides a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Ives' music and his unique contribution to the world of classical music.

In conclusion, Charles Ives is widely regarded as the first great American composer of classical music. His diverse musical output and unusual career have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition. Listening to his music is an adventure that requires a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Burkholder's book provides a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Ives' music and his unique contribution to the world of classical music.

Weight: 654g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781442247949