Charles T. Griffes
Author: Edward Maisel
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Published: 1984
Total Pages: 452
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKAfter his tragic death in 1920, at the age of thirty-five, Charles T. Griffes became the object of an almost fanatical devotion among many American music-lovers, and his reputation and stature have grown steadily ever since. His songs, piano compositions, string music, and symphonic works are now in the repertoire of leading musicians and symphonic organizations. Against a rich background of contemporary figures and of musical life in the early years of this century, Mr. Maisel here traces the story of Griffes' rise from obscure origins. Much light is thrown on the conditons and problems of American music in general; and there is a careful analysis of many of the central ideas of Griffes' music, especially his best-known pieces, The White Peacock and The Pleasure Dome of Kubla Khan. The result is an interesting chapter in the history of American culture, and a fascinating study of the creative temperament in our time.