Sounding Authentic considers the intersecting influences of nationalism; modernism; and technological innovation on representations of ethnic and national identities in twentieth-century art music. Author Joshua S. Walden discusses these forces through the prism of what he terms the "rural miniature": short violin and piano pieces based on folk song and dance styles. This genre; mostly inspired by the folk music of Hungary; the Jewish diaspora; and Spain; was featured frequently on recordings and performance programs in the early twentieth century.Furthermore; Sounding Authentic shows how the music of urban Romany ensembles developed into nineteenth-century repertoire of virtuosic works in the style hongrois before ultimately influencing composers of rural miniatures. Walden persuasively demonstrates how rural miniatures represented folk and rural cultures in a manner that was perceived as authentic; even while they involved significant modification of the original sources. He also links them to the impulse toward realism in developing technologies of photography; film; and sound recording.Sounding Authentic examines the complex ways the rural miniature was used by makers of nationalist agendas; who sought folkloric authenticity as a basis for the construction of ethnic and national identities. The book also considers the genres reception in European diaspora communities in America where it evoked and transformed memories of life before immigration; and traces how many rural miniatures were assimilated to the styles of American popular song and swing. Scholars interested in musicology; ethnography; the history of violin performance; twentieth-century European art music; the culture of the Jewish Diaspora and more will find Sounding Authentic an essential addition to their library.
#2478658 in eBooks 2010-07-22 2010-07-22File Name: B00HEUJQ7M
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great music written in not-so-great keysBy Robin AllemannFirst of all; I love the Carpenters Christmas music and I have both of their Christmas albums. So I was quite excited to get this song book; so that I could play the music on my piano and sing these wonderful songs that I have enjoyed over the years. All of the great music is included in this book. However; several of the songs are written in keys that I absolutely hate playing in---namely; the keys with four or five sharps (E major and B major). As an intermediate pianist; I find it frustrating to play songs written with so many sharps (as do many of my friends who also play the piano). So rather than just being able to sit down; open the book; and begin singing and playing these songs with family and friends at Christmastime; I will have to first spend some time practicing the music and getting used to playing several songs in these dreadful keys. Granted; not every song is written in keys with several sharps; but some of the more recognizable tunes are. I suppose however; that these are the keys that the songs were originally written and recorded in. That being said; however; for some reason the classic "Merry Christmas; Darling" is not written in the same key in this book that Karen sang it in on the recording. It is written in a key that is a couple of steps higher than the original. Not sure why they would choose to do that. Other than that; all the songs on the Christmas album are included in this songbook; and for those not limited by playing in multiple sharps (as I am) will truly enjoy this book without reservation.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Sheet music version of the Christmas album of the same name (which you can and should download; as well).By Craig MattesonThis is the sheet music version of the music collection called The Carpenters Christmas Portrait. I recommend you download the album and listen carefully to the beautiful arrangements Richard Carpenter put on that album and the velvety alto voice of Karen Carpenter. This will help you understand what you should try to achieve when playing these pieces. Obviously; the simplified arrangements here will not sound like a professionally produced album; but you can get in the spirit of the thing better if you have the right sound in your ears. And if you are a more advanced musician; you can build your own arrangement using those recordings and this sheet music as your launching pad.There was a time when recording artists did seasonal albums because they sell each and every year. I am glad this music is still around for us to enjoy because I miss Karens voice so much. She was a more sophisticated singer than people appreciate. And I admire Richards skill as a pianist and arranger very very much. He is a lot better than he often gets credit for. Very fine stuff.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great scores for a great albumBy HowzaAveacute; Maria; as done by Karen. One of my all-time favorites
