The Dawning of American Keyboard Music (Contributions to the Study of Music and Dance) [Hardcover]

J. Bunker Clark (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 1988 | ISBN-10: 0313255814 | ISBN-13: 978-0313255816

This work concerns the rapid growth of keyboard composition in the United States from its beginnings in the 1760s until 1830. Nearly all of the more artistic compositions are described, focusing on those available in moderns editions and reprints; for the rest, there are over 200 examples from music extant only in their original sheet-music copies. The first part of the book is organized by genre, with chapters on the sonata, the rondo, variations, the medley, and battle music. Later chapters are devoted to organ music and to a detailed account of English and American pianoforte tutors, including the varying realizations of ornament signs. The work's formal chapter treats the Bohemian immigrant Anthony Philip Heinrich (1871-1861), whose avant garde compositions are still incomprehensible to many people. The volume concludes with a bibliography of literature on the subject and music editions and with indexes of names, titles, and subjects. The specialized focus of this account supplements the more general histories of early American music. Citations are made to the standard bibliographies of early printed music; complete bibliographical descriptions, including library locations, are furnished for the rest. This volume will appeal to historians of American music and keyborad music and to keyboard performers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“. . . . Clark has here produced a basic reference work that is full of analysis and assessment, supplemented by no fewer than 213 music examples, some extensive. The book approaches its subject in chapters devoted to genres: (1) sonatas; (2) rondos; (3) variations (4) medleys; (5) battle pieces; (6) organ pieces; and (7) pianoforte tutors. It ends with an eighth chapter on `The First Americanist' (Henrich), plus a substantial bibliography and indexes of persons, titles, and subjects. Believe us, if you want to know anything about this repertory, you'll find it here.”–I.S.A.M Newsletter

About the Author

J. BUNKER CLARK is Professor of Music History at the University of Kansas.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 433 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (October 19, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313255814
• ISBN-13: 978-0313255816
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,898,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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