Ned Rorem: A Bio-Bibliography

(Hardback)

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As a composer and as an author, Ned Rorem occupies a position of considerable influence and importance in American music. His numerous musical works are performed frequently, and his critical writings offer unmatched insights into contemporary music. This bibliography will serve as an important resource for those seeking more information about this distinguished American composer and his works. The book is divided into four sections: a brief biography, a complete list of works and performances, a discography of commercially produced sound recordings, and a bibliography of writings by and about Ned Rorem. The list of works and performances includes Rorem's plays and books, works in preparation, and his musical compositions. The latter are classified by genre and arranged alphabetically within each category. Each entry provides as much information as possible about the date of composition and publication, publisher, duration, medium of performance, literary source, commission, dedication, and dates of the premiere and subsequent performances. A directory of publishers and their addresses is also provided. Citations in the discography are arranged by label and number and include contents, performers, date of issue, and album title. The bibliographical section includes annotations or brief quotations from the cited item. Three appendixes complete the work. The first provides an alphabetical listing of Rorem's compositions, including individual songs in cycles, distinctive subtitles, working titles, and titles of unpublished works. Appendix II is a chronological list of compositions and Appendix III provides a list of the literary sources for Rorem's works. This unique reference tool belongs in all music reference collections.

Reviews

Ned Rorem is surely among the most significant writers of music and prose of this age. His work is well served by this welcome addition to Greenwood Press's Bio-Bibliographies in Music' series. Following the general series format, the book is divided into four sections: a brief biography; a complete list of works and selected performances including musical compositions, plays and books, and works in preparation(as of 1988); a discography of commercial sound recordings; an annotated bibliography of writings by and about Ned Rorem. Three useful appendixes and a comprehensive index facilitate use of the volume. . . . McDonald's scholarship is accurate, complete, up to date, and presented in a clear and useful manner. . . . All future research on Rorem will consult this volume and anyone with even a passing interest in this fascinating composer is certain to be grateful for its availability. Highly recommended for academic music libraries at all levels.-Choice
Offering a comprehensive package covering the life and works of American composer Ned Rorem, McDonald stresses Rorem's affinity for the vocal style in composition and the importance of Rorem's output of prose literature. The volume includes a concise biographical overview of the composer a complete list of his works (e.g., compositions, premieres, selected performances, plays, books, and a discography of commercial recordings). The major core of the work is an annotated bibliography of writings by and about Rorem. It is well indexed and includes three appendixes: an alphabetical list of compositions, a chronological list of compositions, and an alphabetical list of literary sources. McDonald's volume is important in demonstrating the talent and creativity of this complex composer who has had a very busy career. Ned Rorem is a useful resource work that primarily belongs in conservatory, music school, and university libraries. It will interest musicians (especially composers, singers, and vocal teachers) and those who would like to examine the composer's talent as an author. Highly recommended.-ARBA
"Ned Rorem is surely among the most significant writers of music and prose of this age. His work is well served by this welcome addition to Greenwood Press's Bio-Bibliographies in Music' series. Following the general series format, the book is divided into four sections: a brief biography; a complete list of works and selected performances including musical compositions, plays and books, and works in preparation(as of 1988); a discography of commercial sound recordings; an annotated bibliography of writings by and about Ned Rorem. Three useful appendixes and a comprehensive index facilitate use of the volume. . . . McDonald's scholarship is accurate, complete, up to date, and presented in a clear and useful manner. . . . All future research on Rorem will consult this volume and anyone with even a passing interest in this fascinating composer is certain to be grateful for its availability. Highly recommended for academic music libraries at all levels."-Choice
"Offering a comprehensive package covering the life and works of American composer Ned Rorem, McDonald stresses Rorem's affinity for the vocal style in composition and the importance of Rorem's output of prose literature. The volume includes a concise biographical overview of the composer a complete list of his works (e.g., compositions, premieres, selected performances, plays, books, and a discography of commercial recordings). The major core of the work is an annotated bibliography of writings by and about Rorem. It is well indexed and includes three appendixes: an alphabetical list of compositions, a chronological list of compositions, and an alphabetical list of literary sources. McDonald's volume is important in demonstrating the talent and creativity of this complex composer who has had a very busy career. Ned Rorem is a useful resource work that primarily belongs in conservatory, music school, and university libraries. It will interest musicians (especially composers, singers, and vocal teachers) and those who would like to examine the composer's talent as an author. Highly recommended."-ARBA

Author Bio

ARLYS L. MCDONALD is Head of the Music Library at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. She is author of Phoenix in New Groves Dictionary of American Music (1986).