Ansari, Emily Abrams - The Sound of a Superpower

After two decades of remarkable success, the quest to create a uniquely American classical music faltered in the 1950s. Many blamed the Cold War for its demise, but the conflict also brought Americanist composers unprecedented opportunities. This book examines this complex picture and its long-term effects.

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CONTENTS

Abbreviations
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. The American Exceptionalists: Howard Hanson and William Schuman
2. The Apolitical Opportunist: Virgil Thomson
3. The Disillusioned Nationalist: Roy Harris
4. The Principled Brand Strategist: Aaron Copland
5. The Frustrated Activist: Leonard Bernstein
Conclusion
Notes
Works Cited