Dimensions
157 x 236 x 38mm
Richard Crawford gives us the fascinating story of music in the United States, from the sacred music of its earliest days to the jazz and rock that enliven the turn of the millennium.
His book leads us along the widely varied paths taken by American music, beginning with that of Native Americans; continuing with traditions introduced by Spanish, French and English colonisers, Africans brought to America as slaves, and other immigrants. He shows how the three spheres of folk, popular and classical music continually interact to form a variegated whole. Throughout, the music is set in historical and social context.
'America's Musical Life' strikes a balance in presenting the general background, and highlighting individual composers, performers and pieces of music. We learn how sacred music-making coexisted with secular song and dance in the colonies; how nineteenth-century commerce ruled the publication of parlour music; and how the twentieth century introduced an incredibly rich array of styles.
Bringing order to a cacophony, this book offers a highly readable and informative account of America's rich musical traditions.
