Edward MacDowell By: John F. Porte
In "Edward MacDowell" by John F. Porte, readers are brought into the fascinating life of one of America's greatest composers. This comprehensive biography delves deep into MacDowell's journey, exploring his artistic development, personal struggles, and lasting impact on the world of music. Porte's writing style is engaging and no detail is spared in painting a vivid picture of MacDowell's life. From his humble beginnings in New York to his studies in Europe, the author seamlessly weaves together historical facts, personal anecdotes, and musical analysis to bring MacDowell's story to life. It is evident that Porte has done extensive research and his passion for the subject matter shines through every page. One of the strengths of this biography is how it delves into MacDowell's creative process. The author skillfully analyzes his compositions, offering valuable insights into the musical styles and influences of the time. This adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to appreciate the significance of MacDowell's contribution to American classical music. Furthermore, Porte does not shy away from discussing the challenges and setbacks MacDowell faced throughout his life. The book explores his struggles with mental illness and the financial burdens he endured. This honest portrayal of MacDowell's life not only humanizes him as a historical figure but also creates a sense of empathy within readers. One minor drawback of the book is that it occasionally delves into technical musical terms that might be unfamiliar to some readers. However, the author does his best to explain these concepts, ensuring that even those with limited musical knowledge can still appreciate the narrative. Overall, "Edward MacDowell" is a captivating biography that sheds light on the life and work of an often-overlooked American composer. John F. Porte's thorough research and engaging writing make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of classical music or the life of Edward MacDowell. First Page: EDWARD MACDOWELL A Great American Tone Poet, His Life and Music by JOHN F. PORTE Author of Edward Elgar , Sir Charles V. Stanford , etc. With a Portrait of Edward MacDowell and Musical Illustrations in the Text New York: E.P. Dutton & Company 681 Fifth Avenue 1922 I do like the works of the American composer MacDowell! What a musician! He is sincere and personal what a poet what exquisite harmonies! Jules Massenet. I consider MacDowell the ideally endowed composer. Edvard Grieg. [Illustration] FROM MACDOWELL'S COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LECTURES. (Published as Critical and Historical Essays ). For it is in the nature of the spiritual part of mankind to shrink from the earth, to aspire to something higher; a bird soaring in the blue above us has something of the ethereal; we give wings to our angels. On the other hand, a serpent impresses us as something sinister. Trees, with their strange fight against all the laws of gravity, striving upward unceasingly, bring us something of hope and faith; the sight of them cheers us. A land without trees is depressing and gloomy. In spite of the strange twistings of ultra modern music, a simple melody still embodies the same pathos for us that it did for our grandparents. We put our guest, the poetic thought, that comes to us like a homing bird from out the mystery of the blue sky we put this confiding stranger straightway into that iron bed, the "sonata form," or perhaps even the third rondo form, for we have quite an assortment... Continue reading book >>

Edward MacDowell By: John F. Porte

In "Edward MacDowell" by John F. Porte, readers are brought into the fascinating life of one of America's greatest composers. This comprehensive biography delves deep into MacDowell's journey, exploring his artistic development, personal struggles, and lasting impact on the world of music.

Porte's writing style is engaging and no detail is spared in painting a vivid picture of MacDowell's life. From his humble beginnings in New York to his studies in Europe, the author seamlessly weaves together historical facts, personal anecdotes, and musical analysis to bring MacDowell's story to life. It is evident that Porte has done extensive research and his passion for the subject matter shines through every page.

One of the strengths of this biography is how it delves into MacDowell's creative process. The author skillfully analyzes his compositions, offering valuable insights into the musical styles and influences of the time. This adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to appreciate the significance of MacDowell's contribution to American classical music.

Furthermore, Porte does not shy away from discussing the challenges and setbacks MacDowell faced throughout his life. The book explores his struggles with mental illness and the financial burdens he endured. This honest portrayal of MacDowell's life not only humanizes him as a historical figure but also creates a sense of empathy within readers.

One minor drawback of the book is that it occasionally delves into technical musical terms that might be unfamiliar to some readers. However, the author does his best to explain these concepts, ensuring that even those with limited musical knowledge can still appreciate the narrative.

Overall, "Edward MacDowell" is a captivating biography that sheds light on the life and work of an often-overlooked American composer. John F. Porte's thorough research and engaging writing make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of classical music or the life of Edward MacDowell.

First Page:

EDWARD MACDOWELL

A Great American Tone Poet, His Life and Music

JOHN F. PORTE

Author of Edward Elgar , Sir Charles V. Stanford , etc.

With a Portrait of Edward MacDowell and Musical Illustrations in the Text

New York: E.P. Dutton & Company 681 Fifth Avenue

1922

I do like the works of the American composer MacDowell! What a musician! He is sincere and personal what a poet what exquisite harmonies! Jules Massenet.

I consider MacDowell the ideally endowed composer. Edvard Grieg.

[Illustration]

FROM MACDOWELL'S COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LECTURES.

(Published as Critical and Historical Essays ).

For it is in the nature of the spiritual part of mankind to shrink from the earth, to aspire to something higher; a bird soaring in the blue above us has something of the ethereal; we give wings to our angels. On the other hand, a serpent impresses us as something sinister. Trees, with their strange fight against all the laws of gravity, striving upward unceasingly, bring us something of hope and faith; the sight of them cheers us. A land without trees is depressing and gloomy.

In spite of the strange twistings of ultra modern music, a simple melody still embodies the same pathos for us that it did for our grandparents.

We put our guest, the poetic thought, that comes to us like a homing bird from out the mystery of the blue sky we put this confiding stranger straightway into that iron bed, the "sonata form," or perhaps even the third rondo form, for we have quite an assortment... Continue reading book >>

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