America's musical life: A history - Hardcover

Richard Crawford gives us the story of music in the United States, from the sacred music of its earliest days to the jazz and rock that enliven the turn of the millennium. His book leads us along the widely varied paths taken by American music, beginning with that of the Native Americans; continuing with traditions introduced by Spanish, French and English colonizers, Africans brought to America as slaves, and other immigrants. He shows how the three spheres of folk, popular and classical music continually interact to form a variegated whole. Throughout, the music is set in historical and social context. "America's Musical Life" strikes a balance in presenting the general background, and highlighting individual composers, performers and pieces of music. We learn how sacred music-making coexisted with secular song and dance in the colonies; how 19th-century commerce ruled the publication of parlour music; and how the 20th century introduced an incredibly rich array of styles. Bringing order to a cacophony, this book offers an account of America's rich musical traditions.