Sounds of Place: Music and the American Cultural Landscape

Denise Von Glahn analyzes the soundscapes of fourteen figures whose place pieces tell us much about the nation's search for its own voice and sense of self, connecting each composer's feelings about the United States to the music.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Composers such as Charles Ives, Duke Ellington, Aaron Copland, and Ellen Taaffe Zwilich have left an indelible mark on American music, creating works that celebrate and commemorate the diverse landscapes and cultures of the United States. In her insightful book, Denise Von Glahn delves into the soundscapes of fourteen influential composers whose place pieces offer a profound insight into the nation's search for its own voice and evolving sense of self. Through meticulous analysis, Von Glahn connects each composer's feelings about the United States and their artistic motivations to the music they create. She explores their compositional techniques, melodies, and styles, shedding light on how their works reflect the country's changing attitudes towards nature, humanity's impact on the landscape, and the emergence of environmentalism in the late twentieth century.

Approaching the compositions chronologically, Von Glahn reveals how works that initially celebrated the wilderness gradually evolved to incorporate themes of humanity's influence on the environment. She highlights how composers like Ives and Copland incorporated elements of popular music and urban life into their compositions, reflecting the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people. At the same time, Von Glahn explores how composers like Ellington and Zwilich incorporated elements of nature and the outdoors into their music, creating a harmonious blend of urban and rural sounds.

The Sounds of Place goes beyond a mere musical analysis, delving into the broader role of high art music in the making of national myth and memory. Von Glahn explores how composers use their music to shape public perception and create a sense of belonging and identity. She argues that place pieces can serve as powerful symbols of national pride and unity, as well as a means of promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Through her comprehensive and engaging study, Von Glahn offers a fresh perspective on the enduring power of music to capture the essence of a place and shape the collective memory of a nation.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252086076