Charles Ives Remembered: An Oral History

This is a wonderful collection of interviews from people that were close to and new Charles Ives well. These interviews are well constructed and organized with a firm commitment from a brilliant author who knows her subject and is very enthused with a strong conviction regarding her craft and her subject. There is a wealth of information in this great book on one of (if not the) greatest American composer's and original talents ever. Mr. Ives Americanism shines through without question or denial at all. He was also an amazing business man, husband and father. Quite the original American character to say the very least. Ive's was composing atonal, multi-layered, multi-subject and chromatic music long before it became the new kid on the block and the in thing to do. He used many different meters (time signatures) combined at the same time as well. His vocal works are a masterpiece and should be enjoyed by music enthusiast's the world over. He was many years ahead of his time and a true pioneering trail blazer for American music as a true art form. This is a must read for all fans of great music, Charles Ives and just pure fantastic and classic literature. Highly recommended.

This is the first book I read about Charles Ives, and I'm happy that it's still in print. If you are new to Charles Ives, I would suggest that you start here. If you have the funds, I also recommend you pick up Jan Swafford's excellant biography. Why is this book the best place to start? The book is a compilation of thoughtful and revealing rememberances from Mr.Ives's close friends and his family, all personally interviewed by the author. We even get to hear what Mr.Ives's barber had to say about him! Perhaps most moving is the interview with Brewster, Mr.Ives's nephew. This book is also chock full of photos and pictures of Mr.Ives's original manuscripts.