MusicWeb International One of the most grown-up review sites around 2024
60,000 reviews
... and still writing ...

Search MusicWeb Here Acte Prealable Polish CDs
 

Presto Music CD retailer
 
Founder: Len Mullenger                                    Editor in Chief:John Quinn             
 

Ives (1874-1954) – Variations on “America”

The primary purpose of music is neither instruction nor culture but pleasure; and this is an all-sufficient purpose” (Charles Ives, Facts and Comments, New York, 1902)

 

Rather surprisingly, for a fairly stodgy Galliard, over 400 years old and of uncertain parentage, the tune known as “America” has enjoyed a fair bit of popularity. As well as playing host to numerous word-settings in the USA it’s been used, at one time or another, for nationalistic purposes by around two dozen countries. Many Americans regard it as their second national anthem, whilst (and let’s keep this just between you and me, eh?) many of my friends in the UK would rather it wasn’t their first. 

Charles Ives was both a pillar of the community and a vandal. At least, the latter is how those with what he called “cissy ears” regarded him. Armed with little more than a solid education, tremendous vision and colossal imagination, Ives forged what was around him into the first truly American classical music. He might even have beaten Picasso to the punch, with his exhilarating “musical cubism” that offended many - understandably uncomprehending - ears. 

Although Ives was only seventeen - more high-spirited than pioneering - when he wrote his Variations on “America” for organ, the seeds of things to come were already palpably germinating. He couldn’t have known, but in preceding the theme’s statement by its first variation, he beat Rachmaninov to the punch by fully 43 years. 

Did the lad, as he probably intended, ever dare play it as an intrada at Danbury Methodist Church? It would surely have raised a few congregational eyebrows! Ponder that possibility, as you enjoy William Schuman’s orchestration, which vividly amplifies its sense of unadulterated, irreverent fun. Those with “cissy ears”, or otherwise of a nervous disposition, would be well-advised to sit this one out in the bar. 

Return to Programme Index

© Paul Serotsky
29, Carr Street, Kamo, Whangarei 0101, Northland, New Zealand


 

Conditions for use apply. Details here
Copyright in these notes is retained by the author without whose prior written permission they may not be used, reproduced, or kept in any form of data storage system. Permission for use will generally be granted on application, free of charge subject to the conditions that (a) the author is duly credited, and (b) a donation is made to a charity of the author's choice.

Return to: Music on the Web