Customer Reviews

The Music of Conlon Nancarrow (Music in the Twentieth Century)

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Conlon Nancarrow was a creative genious. Although quite possibly the most rhythmically complex and original music ever composed in its time, his music sounds pleasant enough to appeal to those who have no (vested) interest in the science of music. In addition to introducing the man behind the music, this book provides a thorough and accurate analysis of the numerous rhythmic/melodic devices first used by Nancarrow. I believe many of the concepts (such as the hypermeasure) presented in this book point toward the inevitable future of World Art Music. Reading this book has inspired numerous of my own compositions, as well as rhythm etudes which have liberated my sense of meter as a jazz improviser. This book is essential reading not only for Nancarrow enthusiasts, but also for those searching for new directions to explore, and those interested in the convergence of Western Art Music and World Music (such as North Indian classical).