Ives’ “Variations on ‘America” is an interesting piece. My favorite American composers of classical music are Lowell Mason, probably best known for composing the Christmas carol “Joy to the World” (1836), and George Gershwin.
...and Gershwin in turn was THE inspirator for my own American popular music hero: Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. He taught himself to play the piano and from 1962 to this day he plays ‘Rhapsody In Blue’, to feel good and lift himself out of a bad mood...
It’s safe to say that without Gershwin, Brian Wilson’s triumphant masterpieces ‘Pet Sounds’ and ‘SMiLE’ would never have seen the light of day.
Coming up tomorrow: my thread on another American treasure: guitarist John Fahey (well, since I consider this one a resonant success, I feel new encouragement).
But do continue to wrote about Ives... I just love your replies on this one!
Cheers, A13.
I believe ‘Joy to the World’ was adapted from Handel’s ‘Messaiah’.