The American Symphony
Routledge Revivals Series

First published in 1998, this volume is the first book to focus on the American symphony. Neil Butterworth surveys the development of the symphony in the United States from early European influences in the last century to the present day, and asks why American composers have shown such allegiance to a musical form which their European contemporaries appear to have discarded.

An overview of the growth of musical societies in America during the eighteenth century and the establishment of the first professional orchestras during the early part of the nineteenth century is followed by chronological analyses of the works of those composers who have played important parts in the progress of symphony in the United States, from Charles Ives, Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein, to contemporary figures such as William Bolcom and John Harbison.

Complete with a comprehensive catalogue of symphonies and an extensive discography, this book is an indispensable reference work.

1. Early Years and Orchestral Beginnings. 2. Pioneers. 3. John Knowles Paine. 4. Dvořák and the Search for National Identity. 5. After Dvořák: The Romantics. 6. Charles Ives. 7. Aaron Copland. 8. Elder Statesmen. 9. Walter Piston. 10. Howard Hanson. 11. Roy Harris. 12. Serialism and Beyond. 13. Samuel Barber. 14. William Schuman. 15. The American Spirit. 16. Traditionalists in the Shadows. 17. Eastern Influences. 18. Peter Mennin and George Rochberg. 19. Leonard Bernstein. 20. The Present Generation. 21. Symphonic Music for Band.