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Amy Beach, Passionate Victorian: The Life and Work of an American Composer, 18671944,Used
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Amy Marcy Cheney Beach (18671944), the most widely performed composer of her generation, was the first American woman to succeed as a creator of largescale art music. Her 'Gaelic' Symphony, given its premiere by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1896, was the first work of its kind by an American woman to be performed by an American orchestra. Almost all of her more than 300 works were published soon after they were composed and performed, and today her music is finding new advocates and audiences for its energy, intensity, and sheer beauty. Yet, until now, no fulllength critical biography of Beach's life or comprehensive critical overview of her music existed. This biography admirably fills that gap, fully examining the connections between Beach's life and work in light of social currents and dominant ideologies.Born into a musical family in Victorian times, Amy Beach started composing as a child of four and was equally gifted as a pianist. Her talent was recognized early by Boston's leading musicians, who gave her unqualified support. Although Beach believed that the life of a professional musician was the only life for her, her parents had raised her for marriage and a career of amateur musicmaking. Her response to this parental (and later spousal) opposition was to find creative ways of reaching her goal without direct confrontation. Discouraged from a fullscale concert career, she instead found her mtier in composition.Success as a composer of art songs came early for Beach: indeed, her songs outsold those of her contemporaries. Nevertheless, she was determined to separate her work from the genteel parlor music women were writing in her day by creating largescale worksa Mass, a symphony, and chamber musicthat challenged the accepted notion that women were incapable of creating high art. She won the respect of colleagues and the allegiance of audiences. Many who praised her work, however, considered her an exception among women. Beach's reaction to this was to join with other women composers of serious music by promoting their works along with her own.Adrienne Fried Block has written a biography that takes full account of issues of gender and musical modernism, considering Beach in the contexts of her time and of her composer contemporaries, both male and female. Amy Beach, Passionate Victorian will be of great interest to students and scholars of American music, and to music lovers in general.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has four hundred forty-eight pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of Amy Beach's life and works.
- Q: What is the binding of the book? A: The book is available in paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for readers.
- Q: What is the size of the book? A: The book measures nine inches in length, one point zero two inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. Its dimensions make it a standard size for easy reading.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of the book is Adrienne Fried Block. She is known for her expertise in American music history.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the genre of History and Criticism. It focuses on the life of American composer Amy Beach.
- Q: Is this book suitable for music students? A: Yes, this book is suitable for music students. It provides valuable insights into the life and works of a significant composer.
- Q: Can general readers enjoy this book? A: Yes, general readers can enjoy this book. It offers engaging narratives about music history and gender issues.
- Q: How can I use this book for academic purposes? A: You can use this book for academic purposes by referencing its insights for papers on American music and gender studies. It serves as a critical resource.
- Q: What themes does the book cover? A: The book covers themes of gender, musical modernism, and the challenges faced by women composers. It contextualizes Amy Beach's work within her time.
- Q: What should I know about the storage of this book? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place to maintain its condition. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: How do I care for this paperback book? A: To care for this paperback book, handle it gently and avoid bending the cover. Keep it on a shelf to protect it from damage.
- Q: Can I return this book if I don't like it? A: Yes, you can return this book if you are not satisfied. Check the retailer's return policy for specific guidelines.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact customer service for assistance. Most retailers offer replacements for damaged items.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for young readers? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for young readers interested in music history. However, it may be more suited for mature readers due to its themes.
- Q: How does this book compare to other biographies of composers? A: This book provides a comprehensive and critical overview of Amy Beach, distinguishing it from other biographies with its focus on gender and context.
- Q: Is this book a good gift for music lovers? A: Yes, this book makes a great gift for music lovers. It highlights the achievements of a pioneering female composer in American music.