Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Vincent Persichetti: Grazioso, Grit, and Gold is the first critical biography of the esteemed American composer, bringing together scholarly work and short contributed essays of prominent performers. In three parts, author Amanda Olmstead weaves a captivating narrative of the composer from his early life and musical training, starting with his early career in Philadelphia during the 1920s and 30s, to his musical activities at Juilliard, and death in 1987. The book sheds light on Perichetti's personal and professional life, the multiplicity of forces that shaped his musical development, and his far-reaching and often neglected influence on the modern American composition scene. In addition to scholarly biographical treatment of the composer, several performers bring fresh insights to individual pieces by Persichetti including C. Matthew Balensuela (Parables for solo wind), Geoffrey Burleson (piano sonatas and quintet), Miriam Conti (Poems and Frog Dance for piano), Andrew Mast (Divertimento for wind ensemble), and Larry Bell (Harmonium, a large song cycle). Scholars, performers, and lay people alike will find Olmstead's book compelling, and it will recast Persichetti's legacy within American music history. Those seeking to perform, teach, or learn about Persichetti's music will find this an invaluable resource.
Synopsis
Vincent Persichetti: Grazioso, Grit, and Gold is the first critical biography of this esteemed American composer, bringing together thorough scholarship by Andrea Olmstead and contributions by prominent performers. Olmstead weaves a captivating narrative of the composer from his early life and musical training, starting with his early career in Philadelphia during the 1920s and '30s and through his teaching at Juilliard and death in 1987. The book sheds light on Persichetti's personal and professional life, the multiple forces that shaped his musical development, and his far-reaching influence on the modern American composition scene. In addition to Olmstead's biographical and analytical treatment of the composer, notable performers bring fresh insights to individual pieces. Among the contributors are C. Matthew Balensuela (solo wind Parables), Geoffrey Burleson (Concerto for Piano, Four Hands, and Piano Quintet), Mirian Conti (Poems and Frog Dance for piano), Andrew Mast (Divertimento for wind ensemble), and Larry Thomas Bell (Harmonium song cycle, Piano Concerto, and Ninth Symphony). Scholars, performers, and all lovers of Persichetti's music will find Olmstead's book compelling as it enshrines Persichetti's legacy as a composer, teacher, and pianist. Those seeking to perform, teach, or simply enjoy Persichetti's music will find this an invaluable resource.
Synopsis
Winner of the 2019 ASCAP-Deems Taylor Awards for Outstanding Music Biography Vincent Persichetti: Grazioso, Grit, and Gold is the first critical biography of this esteemed American composer, bringing together thorough scholarship by Andrea Olmstead and contributions by prominent performers. Olmstead weaves a captivating narrative of the composer from his early life and musical training, starting with his early career in Philadelphia during the 1920s and '30s and through his teaching at Juilliard and death in 1987. The book sheds light on Persichetti's personal and professional life, the multiple forces that shaped his musical development, and his far-reaching influence on the modern American composition scene. In addition to Olmstead's biographical and analytical treatment of the composer, notable performers bring fresh insights to individual pieces. Among the contributors are C. Matthew Balensuela (solo wind Parables), Geoffrey Burleson (Concerto for Piano, Four Hands, and Piano Quintet), Mirian Conti (Poems and Frog Dance for piano), Andrew Mast (Divertimento for wind ensemble), and Larry Thomas Bell (Harmonium song cycle, Piano Concerto, and Ninth Symphony). Scholars, performers, and all lovers of Persichetti's music will find Olmstead's book compelling as it enshrines Persichetti's legacy as a composer, teacher, and pianist. Those seeking to perform, teach, or simply enjoy Persichetti's music will find this an invaluable resource.