|
|
Ives/Lindsay |
|
|
|
Well, Tucker brought a contralto and a cellist. And the cellist’s
perfectly gorgeous, blonde, Stradivarius cello. They gave half of the
session to an animated recitation of the famous instrument’s own
life history.* Then they (cellist and contralto) performed Charles Ives’ setting
of Vachel Lindsay’s “General William Booth Enters Into
Heaven.” My first exposure to both Ives and Lindsay,** who have
since become favorites. And, be it added redundantly, to that
piece, which has become my prime example of an American work that owes
nothing*** whatever to the Old World.
*Nicknamed, if I recall correctly, the “Great Blonde”), this treasure seems to have belonged to most of the crowned music-lovers and principal string-vibrating musical geniuses of the past three hundred years. **All my grandchildren know that “The Moon’s the North Wind’s Cookie” is by Vachel Lindsay. Although Puckish granddaughter Lindsay Ralston (younger sister of Bethany) has been known to attribute it, with a grin, to “Vachel Bethany”. **Well, almost nothing. Booth hailed from Nottinghamshire, of course. |
|
Back a Page (Music Library) |
Such a Life Contents |
Page Indexes: |
Chapter 2 (1946-58) |
Chapter 3 (1958-72) |
MIT (1958-61) |
Mission (1961-64) |
Next Page (Lehrer) |
| Welcome | Stories | Sections | Such a Life | People | Places | Site Search | Do You Know? |
| Updated Aug 2014 | [125.htm] | Page 31-047 |