Art Song in the United States, 1759-1999: An Annotated Bibliography

Teachers and singers have little problem finding material from the vast and well-established European repertory, but knowledge of American song and literature has been relatively rare. This third edition of Art Song in the United States provides the essential link to excellent repertory from this country, acquainting the reader with composers, publishers, specific works, particular musical and vocal demands, and even program suggestions.

Originally created as a teaching tool, this bibliography has taken on a second life as a research tool for various facets of American art song, including, in this edition, both current and historical discography.

Any annotated bibliography of a large subject area must, of necessity, be selective. The authors have limited the inclusion of works to (1) composed art songs by American composers for one solo voice; (2) piano accompaniment only (orchestral works for which piano music is available are also included); (3) English text or singable English version of a foreign language text; and (4) published and currently, or at one time, available for sale through normal retail music outlets, including small presses.

In addition to annotations for more than 2400 American songs and the discography, the authors have included a composer index, a title index containing both entry numbers and a discography indication, an appendix listing selected songs by American composers to foreign language texts, and a revised and restructured subject index, including an index of songs especially suitable for elementary school audiences. The special section, "Art Song in the United States:1759-1810," by Gordon Myers, remains a separate section for ease in finding songs from the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Absolutely essential for all library music collections, as well as for teachers, students, and any musical organization performing or providing resources on American song.