Synopses & Reviews
This volume presents the life and works of Robert Russell Bennett, whose prolific career as composer and arranger spanned much of the twentieth century. George J. Ferencz chronicles how Bennett's concert works, orchestrations, and commercial scores both reflected and enhanced the musical vitality of New York City, where he spent most of his professional life. Although Bennett enjoyed commercial success, his stylistic preferences embraced the classics, and Ferencz appropriately focuses his study on Bennett's original concert works rather than his popular scores.
Ferencz introduces the artist with a lengthy biographical profile, followed by a complete list of works and selected performances which features compositions rather than arrangements in an effort to document those works most representative of Bennett's singular talent. All of Bennett's known commercial recordings are cataloged in the discography, and an annotated bibliography highlights writings about the composer and his works. Subsequent appendixes list commercial orchestrations and original scores for shows, film, and television, and a full index completes the work.
Synopsis
This volume presents the life and works of Robert Russell Bennett, whose prolific career as composer and arranger reflected and enhanced the musical vitality and energy of 20th-century New York City, where he spent most of his professional life. A lengthy biographical profile is followed by a complete list of works and selected performances featuring compositions rather than arrangements, ranging from orchestral to chamber music, choral to keyboard pieces, and stage to radio works. A complete catalog of commercial recordings comprises the discography, and an annotated bibliography further documents Bennett's singular talent.
About the Author
GEORGE J. FERENCZ is Associate Professor of Music at Idaho State University.
Table of Contents
Preface
Biography
Works and Performances
Discography
Bibliography
Appendix A: Theater Orchestrations
Appendix B: Film and Television Scores/Orchestrations
Appendix C: Alphabetical Works List
Appendix D: Chronological Works List
Index