Randall Thompson: A Bio-Bibliography

(Hardback)

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Whe n Randall Thompson died in 1984, America lost one of its most distinguished musicians. At the time of his death, it was already apparent that an assessment of his varied contributions to American musical life in the context of his contemporary generation was sorely needed. "Randall Thompson: A Bio-Bibliography" is the first comprehensive study of Thompson's oeuvre since his death. The volume is organized into five parts, beginning with a substantial biography written by David Francis Urrows, Thompson's final student and amanuensis. Urrows presents new information on Thompson's youth, his study in Italy and the influence of Malipiero on his work, his educational and compositional philosophy, and his role in the emergence of American music from the influence of European models. Benser's most complete catalogue of works compiled to date follows. This list includes previously unpublished composistions, particularly those nearly made available by Thompson's longtime publisher, E.C. Schrimer, and new recordings made by Bay Cities Music. A sampling of prose writings by Thompson offers a ecclectic overview. The complete, extensively annotated bibliography, discography, and two appendixes that list Thompson's compositions chronologically and alphabetically complete this study. Music libraries may want to add this volume to their collections. It should also be a valuable reference for choral directors, programme note annotators, and American music enthusiasts.

Reviews

Two scholars specializing in 20th-century music, Benser (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) and Urrows (Hong Kong Baptist College) have collaborated on this work about "the most frequently performed and least written about American composer of the twentieth century." The biography of Thompson, which forms the first part of the volume, is by Urrows who was a student, friend, and ultimately, amanuensis to the composer. A chronological, classified catalog of works, both published and unpublished, is followed by an annotated bibliography of Thompson's own writings, together with another bibliography of books and articles about the composer and his works. A short discographical section is followed with appendixes containing chronological and alphabetical lists of compositions and with an extensive index. This is the first major reference work on this important choral composer. As is usual for volumes in this valuable series, the book is clearly printed and well bound, and it is highly recommended for undergraduate and graduate music collections as well as for public libraries serving communities with active choral societies.-Choice
"Two scholars specializing in 20th-century music, Benser (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) and Urrows (Hong Kong Baptist College) have collaborated on this work about "the most frequently performed and least written about American composer of the twentieth century." The biography of Thompson, which forms the first part of the volume, is by Urrows who was a student, friend, and ultimately, amanuensis to the composer. A chronological, classified catalog of works, both published and unpublished, is followed by an annotated bibliography of Thompson's own writings, together with another bibliography of books and articles about the composer and his works. A short discographical section is followed with appendixes containing chronological and alphabetical lists of compositions and with an extensive index. This is the first major reference work on this important choral composer. As is usual for volumes in this valuable series, the book is clearly printed and well bound, and it is highly recommended for undergraduate and graduate music collections as well as for public libraries serving communities with active choral societies."-Choice

Author Bio

CAROLINE CEPIN BENSER lives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and is the author of Egon Wellesz (1885-1974): Chronicle of a Twentieth-Century Musician. She has contributed to Alabama Heritage. DAVID FRANCIS URROWS, a lecturer in the Department of Music at Hong Kong Baptist College, has the distinction of being Randall Thompson's final student.