Download or read book American Composers on American Music written by Henry Cowell and published by New York : F. Ungar. This book was released on 1962 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first collection of serious critical essays on modern American music, this volume of opinions expressed by composers themselves brought volleys of dissension and a little praise when it first appeared. American music was without honor in its own country. Names such as Aaron Copland, Charles Seeger, Roy Harris, Howard Handson, Edgard Varese, Carlos Chavez, Charles Ives--and Henry Cowell--were known to only a musical few, and accepted by even fewer. Their thoughtfully written expositions of personal theories about music and other composers were on the whole considered upstart and absurd. But the crucible of time has made this once highly controversial volume as fascinating as it is instructive. Its subjects, authors, and views have now earned their historical place. As the editor states in his introduction, he placed his bets well. The essays make a contribution ot the literature that is very good reading for both musicians and now a wide musical public.