Full Description
Winner of the 2019 ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award for Outstanding Musical Biography
Vincent Persichetti: Grazioso, Grit, and Gold is the first critical biography of this esteemed American composer, bringing together thorough scholarship by Andrea Olmstead and contributions by prominent performers. Olmstead weaves a captivating narrative of the composer from his early life and musical training, starting with his early career in Philadelphia during the 1920s and '30s and through his teaching at Juilliard and death in 1987. The book sheds light on Persichetti's personal and professional life, the multiple forces that shaped his musical development, and his far-reaching influence on the modern American composition scene.
In addition to Olmstead's biographical and analytical treatment of the composer, notable performers bring fresh insights to individual pieces. Among the contributors are C. Matthew Balensuela (solo wind Parables), Geoffrey Burleson (Concerto for Piano, Four Hands, and Piano Quintet), Mirian Conti (Poems and Frog Dance for piano), Andrew Mast (Divertimento for wind ensemble), and Larry Thomas Bell (Harmonium song cycle, Piano Concerto, and Ninth Symphony).
Scholars, performers, and all lovers of Persichetti's music will find Olmstead's book compelling as it enshrines Persichetti's legacy as a composer, teacher, and pianist. Those seeking to perform, teach, or simply enjoy Persichetti's music will find this an invaluable resource.
Contents
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part I: 1915-1939
Chapter 1: Early Life and Musical Training
Chapter 2: The Combs Conservatory
Chapter 3: Persichetti as a Student
Chapter 4: Arch Street Church and the Silent Year
Chapter 5: The Philadelphia Conservatory of Music and Paul Nordoff
Chapter 6: Olga Samaroff
Chapter 7: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Stokowski, Ormandy
Chapter 8: Curtis Institute and Reiner
Chapter 9: The "Silent" Decade
Part II: 1938—1962
Chapter 10: Dorothy from Kansas
Chapter 11: Music in 1939 and 1940
Chapter 12: 1941-1943
Chapter 13: Roy Harris Chapter 14: The Philadelphia Conservatory and a Trial
Chapter 15: William Schuman and Juilliard
Chapter 16: Choral Settings of E. E. Cummings
Chapter 17: The Piano Sonata Period
Chapter 18: Divertimento for Band
Chapter 19: Harmonium
Chapter 20: 1952-1953
Chapter 21: The Schuman Book
Chapter 22: Hymns and Responses for the Church Year
Chapter 23: Symphony for Band
Chapter 24: The Year of the Song
Chapter 25: Seventh Symphony
Chapter 26: Mass
Chapter 27: Twentieth-Century Harmony
Part III: 1962-1987
Chapter 28: Peter Mennin and Lincoln Center
Chapter 29: Religious Music
Chapter 30: Masquerade
Chapter 31: The Choral(e) Years, 1966-1969
Chapter 32: The Creation
Chapter 33: Ninth Symphony
Chapter 34: Parables
Chapter 35: A Lincoln Address
Chapter 36: More Parables
Chapter 37: The Sibyl
Chapter 38: English Horn Concerto
Chapter 39: Mirror Music
Chapter 40: The Harpsichord Period
Chapter 41: 1985-1987
Chapter 42: Death and Posthumous Reputation
Notes
Bibliography
Index of Works
Index
About the Author
