War and Death in the Music of George Crumb: A Crisis of Collective Memory

This book explores George Crumbs' The Winds of Destiny (2004) and Black Angels (1970) as artifacts of collective memory and cultural trauma, situating them in his output and unpacking the complex methodologies needed to understand them as contributions and challenges to traditional narratives of the Civil War and the Vietnam War. It demonstrates how Crumbs' musical critiques point to a need to resist conventional narratives and heal trauma on a collective level, making it of interest to students of contemporary American music, American studies, and memory studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the profound examination of George Crumbs' two iconic works, The Winds of Destiny (2004) and Black Angels (1970), as poignant artifacts of collective memory and cultural trauma. By contextualizing these two compositions within Crumbs' extensive output, the author unravels the intricate methodologies required to comprehend their significance as both contributions and challenges to traditional narratives of the Civil War and the Vietnam War.

The Winds of Destiny emerges as a critical reflection on the enduring legacy of American wars and militarism, which hold profound implications for American identity. Moreover, the book functions as an ironic war memorial, employing its musical prowess to critique these concepts. Black Angels, on the other hand, has long been intertwined with the Vietnam War, and this study sheds light on the origins and enduring resonance of this association through its connections to iconic Vietnam War media, including films and books.

Through these comprehensive analyses, the book unveils the profound impact of trauma in American collective memory, which remains in a state of continuous crisis. Crumbs' musical critiques serve as a poignant call to resist conventional narratives and embark on a collective journey toward healing and reconciliation. This book holds immense appeal to students of contemporary American music, American studies, and memory studies, offering a fresh perspective that integrates Crumbs' music within these interdisciplinary fields. By doing so, it provides valuable insights and benefits to readers, enriching their understanding of Crumbs' artistic contributions and their relevance to broader academic discourse.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367762100